A 50-year-old civil servant fell victim to a car purchase scam, losing RM99,000 in a fraudulent scheme involving a non-existent Perodua Alza. The scam highlights the ongoing risk of online fraud and the importance of verifying transactions before making payments.
Incident Details:
- Fraudulent Advertisement: On August 8, the victim came across an advertisement for Perodua Alza cars on the Telegram application. The ad offered the vehicle at a price of RM26,000, prompting the victim to contact the provided phone number.
- Payment Process: After discussions with the scammer, the victim was instructed to make an initial payment, which eventually escalated to RM99,000 due to additional charges purportedly required for the car’s acquisition.
- Discovery and Reporting: Once the victim realised that the car did not exist, they filed a police report at the Kuala Terengganu Police Station to seek justice.
Police Statistics and Actions:
- Case Reports: Between August 4 and August 11, the Commercial Crime Investigation Division of the Kuala Terengganu District Police Headquarters received 42 fraud reports, a decrease of 15 cases from the previous week.
- Investigation Papers: Of these reports, 10 investigation papers have been opened, totaling a loss of RM145,900. The cases are being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which deals with cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
Advice and Preventive Measures:
- Police Recommendations: Kuala Terengganu District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Azli Mohd Noor, advises the public to exercise caution and thoroughly verify information before making any online transactions. It is crucial to check the legitimacy of sellers and confirm details to avoid falling victim to scams.
- Preventive Actions: Individuals are encouraged to report suspicious activities or fraud attempts to authorities promptly. The public should also be aware of common scam tactics and take proactive steps to protect themselves from online fraud.
This incident underscores the necessity of vigilance and due diligence when engaging in online purchases. By following proper verification procedures and reporting fraud promptly, individuals can help mitigate the risks associated with online transactions.
