Singapore Man Cheats Five Women Out of Nearly $370,000
Who was the ‘expert’ actually?
Peter Aw Boo Cheong, a 46‑year‑old Malaysian resident of Singapore, slipped into online dating circles under the name “Daniel.” He lured five women—four from Singapore and one from Indonesia—using the charm of a supposedly seasoned currency trader.
How the scam rolled out
- Between August 2016 and July 2023, Aw promised “investment” in silver and foreign currencies.
- He claimed urgent needs: medical bills, car repairs, and other “necessary” expenses.
- All financial help was a cover for settling his own gambling debts.
The women’s wake‑up call
Only after realizing the trick did the five victims alert the police (ranging from December 2016 to September 2023). Up to this point the only restitution was a modest $500 to one victim.
Legal fallout
- Aw pleaded guilty on 28 November to 14 cheating offenses totalling almost $250,000.
- Twenty additional charges (the remaining ~ $120,000) are set for sentencing.
- Each offence can carry up to 10 years behind bars and a fine.
- He received a bail of $25,000 while awaiting sentencing on 2 January.
Bottom line: Online flirtation coupled with a fake investment pitch can leave unsuspecting victims up to $370,000 short. This case reminds us that trust in the digital dating world should come with a healthy dose of skepticism.
