KOTA KINABALU: Police are seeking two people who cheated business owners here of over RM600,000 in a scam that involves impersonating government officials and offering nonexistent tenders.
To date, the city police Commercial Crime Investigation Department has received 10 reports involving the same modus operandi between January and June, with losses amounting to RM662,394.
In the latest case, an automotive spare parts dealer was cheated of over RM100,000.
Kota Kinabalu OCPD Asst Comm Kasim Muda said the victim received a WhatsApp message on June 6 from one suspect who claimed to be an officer with a government department.
He said the suspect offered the dealer a tender to supply hydraulic oil to his department.
To seal the deal, the suspect sent him a bill of quantities (BQ) as well as a letter of agreement for the procurement.
The suspect then told the victim to get in touch with a purported hydraulic oil supplier in northern Kota Marudu district, about 130km from here, ACP Kasim added.
He said the suspect claimed that the supplier had worked with his department before, so the victim's dealings would be made easier.
“The victim then ordered 58 barrels and deposited RM117,480 with the 'supplier'.
“He (the victim) was promised that the oil would be sent to the department, but the deal turned out to be nonexistent," he said when contacted on Wednesday (June 12).
He said the victim realised the tender was fake after he checked with the department, and subsequently lodged a police report.
Asked if the duo could be part of a syndicate, ACP Kasim said the possibility had not been ruled out, although they were the only suspects established so far.
“We are investigating under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
“We also advise the public not to be fooled by offers of tenders received through social media and to double-check with any government department concerned before making a transaction,” he said.
