KUCHING: A 62-year-old local man fell victim to an online procurement scam, losing RM161,400 after being duped into ordering portable power stations for a fake tender.
Kuching district police chief, ACP Alexson Naga Chabu stated that the district Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) received a report regarding an online tender supply scam targeting the victim.
“The incident occurred on Aug 11, around 8.30 am, while the victim was at his office at a construction company located in the Bintawa Industrial Estate.
“The victim received an email from an unknown individual offering a tender supply order for Anker Solix F3800 Portable Power Stations purportedly for the National Solid Waste Management Department (JPSPN) Sri Aman branch,” Alexson said.
To facilitate the procurement process, the victim was provided with a contact number for a supposed supplier.
Believing the transaction to be legitimate, the victim transferred a total of RM161,400 across four separate transactions into two different bank accounts between Aug 11 and Aug 19.
The scam came to light when the victim contacted the actual JPSPN Sri Aman branch to follow up.
He was informed that unknown individuals had fraudulently utilised the name and official stamp of the Sri Aman District Council (MDSA) to execute the scam.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
Alexson advised the public to remain vigilant and verify any company status or investment offers on official platforms such as Bank Negara Malaysia (www.bnm.gov.my) or the Securities Commission Malaysia (www.sc.com.my).
Victims of financial or cyber scams who have recently completed transfer transactions are urged to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997.
