A Growing Scandal in Singapore's Food Scene

In a surprising twist of events, at least two eateries in Singapore have fallen victim to a scheme involving fake bulk orders by individuals posing as army personnel. This brings the total reported incidents to five within just a week.

The Deceptive Orders Begin

On September 8, Mr. Chee Hang Joon, the owner of Sedap! eatery located in Novena, received a call from a man identifying himself as 'Luke Wong' from the Bedok army camp. Wong placed a hefty order—150 packets of nasi lemak and 150 bottles of water—totaling about $1,600 after discount.

Mr. Chee, motivated by a desire to foster goodwill with the army, granted a discount despite his eatery being non-halal. While Wong's demeanor seemed genuine and friendly, it raised flags when he insisted that serving non-halal food was permissible within the army as long as there was no pork.

The Scheme Unravels

After requesting an advance payment, Mr. Chee was met with excuses about a last-minute order and delayed government processing. When Wong failed to show up on the agreed delivery date, Mr. Chee attempted to reach him multiple times, but to no avail. Thankfully, a busy lunch crowd ensured the unclaimed food could be sold, saving Mr. Chee from financial loss. However, the incident highlighted a need for vigilance.

Another Eatery Duped

In a similar incident, Yi Jia Bakery's owner, known only as Madam Low, also faced deceit. On September 11, she received a call from a man named 'Gordon,' claiming he needed pastries for an event, again promising payment only after a series of elaborate excuses. Noticing inconsistencies and continuous miscommunication, Madam Low grew wary. When it came time for the pickup on September 12, she discovered the culprits had severed contact.

Having run her bakery for over 15 years, Madam Low expressed her shock at being targeted, realizing she had let her guard down in an attempt to build relationships with customers.

The Community's Silver Lining

Despite their misfortunes, both Mr. Chee and Madam Low found silver linings in their experiences. After Mr. Chee’s mishap, patrons from a nearby gym stepped in, purchasing leftover meals and showcasing the kindness of the community. Additionally, Madam Low donated her surplus pastries to a local food bank, Food from the Heart, turning adversity into an opportunity to help others.

Official Warning Issued

In light of these scams, the Ministry of Defence has stepped in, issuing a public warning on September 14 regarding fraudulent bulk orders. They confirmed awareness of seven cases involving impersonation of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel and urged vigilance among businesses.

As these incidents unfold, the community is reminded of the importance of skepticism and verification in business dealings, especially in times of increased demand and stress.