BAU: A fish farmer lost more than RM18,000 after falling victim to an online vehicle purchase scam involving a non-existent Toyota Hilux.
Bau Police Chief, Supt Mohd Haide A. Rahman, said the 38-year-old victim lodged a report on Wednesday (Apr 8) after failing to receive the vehicle he had paid for.
He said the victim was initially drawn to a Facebook advertisement under the name ‘Anson All About Car’ offering a Toyota Hilux single cab for RM27,500.
“The victim contacted the suspect and was instructed to make several payments, including a booking fee, insurance and road tax, as well as processing charges,” he said.
The victim made multiple transactions between April 2 and April 7 to three different bank accounts, amounting to RM18,156.23.
After completing the payments, the victim did not receive the vehicle and was unable to contact the suspect.
“The victim later travelled to Sibu to locate the individual but failed to do so before lodging a police report,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Police advised the public to verify sellers and avoid making payments to unknown individuals when purchasing vehicles online.
