Kota Kinabalu: An automotive spare parts dealer here was cheated of RM117,480 after being duped into paying the amount as deposit to supply 58 barrels of hydraulic oil to a government department which turned out to be non-existent.
City Police Chief ACP Kasim Muda said the victim received a WhatsApp message on June 6 from one suspect who claimed to be an officer with a government department.
He said the suspect offered the dealer a tender to supply hydraulic oil to his department.
To seal the deal, the suspect sent him a bill of quantities (BQ) as well as a letter of agreement for the procurement.
SPONSORED CONTENT Hajiji says positive economic achievements prove Sabah govt’s commitment Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, emphasised that the positive economic achievements over the past three years underscore the Sabah government’s steadfast commitment to both the administration and development of the state. Read more The suspect then told the victim to get in touch with a purported hydraulic oil supplier in Kota Marudu, about 130km from here.
Kasim said the suspect claimed that the supplier had worked with his department before, so the victim’s dealings would be made easier.
“The victim then ordered 58 barrels and deposited RM117,480 with the ‘supplier’.
“He (the victim) was promised that the oil would be sent to the department, but the deal turned out to be non-existent,” he said, Wednesday.
He said the victim realised the tender was fake after he checked with the department, and subsequently lodged a police report.
According to Kasim, the city police’s commercial crime investigation division received 10 reports of similar tender frauds made through social media involving a loss of RM662,394 from January to June this year.
“The tender fraud cases are investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum jail of 10 years and liable to whipping and fine, on conviction.
“Hence, the public is advised to be cautious when receiving tender offers through social media. They should check the authenticity of the tender offers first before dealing or making payments,” he said.
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