When A “Cool” Air‑Cond Deal Turns into a Scam Show
From Delivery Drivers to “Dream” Business Partners
Lee stumbled into a new partnership with Nick back in February while both were hustling as courier delivery guys. Nick bragged about a soon‑to‑close air‑conditioning firm, claiming his own co‑owner had pulled out. Lee, ever the optimist, jumped in and invested a tidy $16,900 before ditching his delivery gig in May.
The First Glimmer of Trouble
Things seemed fine until Lee flew overseas with his wife for a business trip. While he was away, clients begged him for installation quotes. Nick stepped in, delivered a quotation of $8,850, and swiped an $6,150.36 deposit. He promised to start work in two weeks, but all that followed were excuses and silence.
Ghosting and “No Office” Fiasco
- Nick told Lee his worker, Kabir—an “honest fixer”—was on board. Kabir called Lee that he’d stopped working for Nick 12 months ago, and that Nick had “cheated many people” and underpaid staff.
- Lee returned to Singapore, met the client at Nick’s “office” at 90 Desker Road, but discovered there was no office at all.
- When the client mentioned a missing supplier stock, Lee checked with the supplier and confirmed it existed. Still, no follow‑up or payment from Nick.
Police, a Missing Man and a Small Claims Tribunal
After a police report was filed—and nicknamed the episode “disappearance” by the authorities—Lee tried every contact number and even walked to Nick’s address. An elderly man let him in; he claimed he was Nick’s father‑in‑law and could not help.
Last month, the client filed a claim in the Small Claims Tribunal against both Lee and the vanished Nick for the $6,150.36 deposit. With Nick unreachable, Lee will have to climb into the courtroom all by himself.
Public Reactions and a Police “Review”
Lee has posted Facebook screenshots that show other people allegedly scammed by Nick’s company. The police are viewing the case as a breach of agreement, but no tangible updates have surfaced. In short, the police are nodding solemnly and still reviewing the file.
Bottom Line
What began as a friendly partnership turned into a cautionary tale: invest wisely, verify contacts, and remember—if a company’s office is invisible, the whole deal might be a mirage.
