BAU: A local man lost over RM23,000 after falling prey to a vehicle scam involving a non-existent Toyota Hilux advertised on Facebook.
The incident happened on Jan 26 when the 49-year-old came across a Facebook Marketplace listing offering the pickup truck at RM15,800.
He later communicated with an individual identified as ‘Danny Lee’, who offered him a discounted price of RM13,430 for the vehicle.
Bau Police Chief, Supt Mohd Haide A. Rahman said the victim was then instructed to make an initial RM1,000 booking payment on Jan 27.
“Following the initial payment, he proceeded to transfer money to multiple bank accounts between Jan 27 and March 7 after ‘Danny’ cited various reasons, including road tax processing, customs clearance, and supposed payment issues that required him to make the transactions again.
“In total, the victim transferred RM23,690 into five separate bank accounts via eight transactions,” he said.
However, suspicion arose when the suspect continued to demand additional payments despite earlier transactions being completed.
The victim then ceased further payments and lodged a police report on April 21.
Haide said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
