SIBU: A company director was fleeced of RM33,998 in a scam asking him to supply windows and doors on a fake Agriculture Department request.
Sibu OCPD, Asst Comm Zulkipli Suhaili said the victim, in his 20s, was contacted via WhatsApp by an individual claiming to represent the Agriculture Department.
The suspect offered a business opportunity for the victim’s company to supply aluminium windows and doors to the Sarikei Agriculture Office," Zulkipli said.
However, the victim had to first acquire the items from a specific dealer in an irresistible deal.
Attracted by the offer, the victim agreed and proceeded to make two deposits to a local bank account provided by the suspect on Nov 15 and Nov 18.
The victim was then instructed by the suspect to first send the items to the Sibu District Office. Later the victim discovered that the dealer had never prepared the items to be delivered.
"Feeling suspicious, the victim contacted the Sarikei Agriculture Office and learned that there was no record of such a transaction or request by the department," Zulkipli added.
Realising they had been scammed, the victim reported the matter to the police on Nov 20.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Zulkipli also revealed that his department has received eight reports this year involving fraud targeting contractors and suppliers linked to public sector agencies, including the Agriculture Department, Land Department, Public Works Department, and Health Department.
"The total reported losses so far amount to RM102,935," he said.
To prevent similar scams, Zulkipli urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid conducting business transactions solely through phone calls or messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and WeChat.
He also advised against making payments without verifying the authenticity of the parties involved by directly contacting the relevant department or company.
For assistance or information on fraud prevention, the public can contact the National Scam Response Center (NSRC) at 997 or visit the Facebook pages @CyberCrimeAlertRMP and @JSJKPDRM. Suspicious bank accounts or phone numbers can also be checked via http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule/.
