What started as a simple online ad for a PlayStation 4 ended in a heartbreaking financial loss and a prison sentence. Thevendran Elan Goven, a 31-year-old Indian-origin man in Singapore, has been jailed for 23 months after swindling a 25-year-old woman out of over SGD 268,000 (approximately Rs 1.6 crore). This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in seemingly innocent online interactions.
It all began in July 2021 on Carousell, an online marketplace. Thevendran posted an ad for a PlayStation 4. The victim, expressing interest, paid a small deposit. But the console never arrived. Instead, their communication shifted to WhatsApp, and what started as a basic transaction quickly spiraled into a manipulative “friendship.”
Over several months, Thevendran crafted an elaborate web of lies. He invented urgent needs for money, claiming he required funds for everything from court cases and dental treatments to supplier payments and even veterinary care for a sick dog. The trusting woman, believing she was helping a friend in distress, repeatedly transferred large sums. Unbeknownst to her, Thevendran was using her hard-earned money to cover his personal expenses and gambling debts.
The deceit became even more egregious. Thevendran was aware that the victim had received insurance and provident fund payouts following her mother’s death. Yet, even after she tearfully told him she had no money left, he continued to relentlessly pressure and deceive her into handing over more funds. The extensive fraud was eventually uncovered when the victim’s father noticed suspicious withdrawals from his own bank account and alerted the police.
District Judge Janet Wang emphasized the severe financial and psychological trauma inflicted upon the victim. This cautionary tale is a powerful reminder: while online platforms offer convenience, it’s vital to remain vigilant. Always scrutinize requests for money, no matter how strong the perceived bond, and protect yourself from sophisticated online scams.
