MUKAH: A local businessman lost RM109,750 after falling victim to an online vehicle purchase scam involving a Toyota Alphard advertised on Facebook.
Mukah police chief DSP Muhamad Rizal Alias said the 48-year-old man lodged a police report at about 11.30pm on Wednesday (Jun 25) after realising he had been deceived.
Initial investigations found that the victim came across a Facebook advertisement on Apr 9 offering a 2021 Toyota Alphard for RM133,000 by a company using the name “Savvy Auto” in Kuala Lumpur.
He then communicated with the suspect via WhatsApp and submitted documents for a loan application.
“The suspect informed the victim that the loan had been approved but instructed him to make various payments for deposits, Road Transport Department matters, customs duties, Sales and Service Tax, Inland Revenue Board taxes, credit score charges, refunds, ownership transfer documents and loan cancellation fees.
“Between Apr 9 and Jun 25, the victim made 22 transactions to several different bank accounts, resulting in losses totalling RM109,750,” he said.
Rizal said after making a final payment of RM11,450 purportedly to process the loan cancellation, the suspect demanded a further RM7,000 before the vehicle could be delivered.
The victim eventually realised he had been scammed after the promised vehicle was not delivered and the money paid was not refunded.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Rizal advised the public to verify the market price of used vehicles, visit the seller’s premises in person, avoid offers that appear too good to be true, use recognised sale and purchase procedures, and check bank accounts and telephone numbers through the Semak Mule portal before making any payment.
