Singapore watch boutique employee's waitlist scam cheats victims of almost $500,000
09.01.26
Jamie Weiss (https://timeandtidewatches.com/author/jamie/)
The start of a new year often brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty. As we bid farewell to 2025, the watch community is abuzz with anticipation for the upcoming releases and trends. But amidst the buzz, a recent scandal has shaken the industry, revealing a shocking scam orchestrated by a Singapore watch shop employee.
The Waitlist Scam Unveiled
Soh Jian Kun, a former employee at Cortina Watch, has pleaded guilty to defrauding 14 victims, including friends and former customers. Kun claimed he could secure coveted Rolex and Patek Philippe models through a staff purchase scheme, but it was all a facade. The Straits Times reports that Kun fabricated Cortina Watch forms, fake receipts, and chat screenshots, complete with real employee names and phone numbers, to deceive his victims. The scheme, which promised 'inside access' to rare watches, resulted in a staggering $495,000 being stolen.
This incident has sparked debate among watch enthusiasts, who are surprised by the occurrence in Singapore, a country renowned for its safety and low crime rate. The case highlights the importance of due diligence and caution when dealing with high-end watch purchases.
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