SIBU: A housewife was left RM108,040 poorer after she was duped into purchasing a Toyota Hilux Vigo that she found advertised on Facebook last month.
The unfortunate incident happened on March 26 when the woman, in her 30s, came across a car sale post and contacted the seller to purchase the Hilux Vigo, which was advertised at RM29,600.
Sibu police chief, ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, said the victim later communicated with the suspect known as ‘Lau Sinn Sann’ via WhatsApp on the car deal.
“The suspect claimed that to expedite the purchase, the victim needed to make several payments, including for a down payment, court charges and tax, into an account that would be provided.
“The next day (March 27), the woman transferred RM108,040 via 32 transactions into 10 different local accounts.
“Once the payment was made, the suspect began giving various excuses about the vehicle’s delivery, which raised the victim’s suspicions,” he said.
Realising she had been scammed, the woman lodged a police report yesterday.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
Zulkipli advised the public to be cautious when making online purchases and to only use legitimate sales platforms to ensure that their rights as a buyer is always protected.
“Do not be easily deceived and make payments into a bank account under a name different from the seller,” he said.
For assistance, the public can contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 or visit the Facebook pages @cybercrimealertrmp and @jsjkpdrm.
Suspicious bank accounts or numbers can also be verified through the Semak Mule website at ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule.
