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A MAN lost RM1,150 after being tricked into renting a house that was actually a homestay unit along Jalan Razak Mansion, Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, last Friday.
Cheras District Police Chief, Aidil Bolhassan, said the 25-year-old victim, who works as a risk assessment officer, said he was attracted by a house rental advertisement on a real estate website, on April 23.
"The complainant then contacted the agent identified as 'Coco Chan' for the purpose of viewing and renting the residential unit in question.
"Last Friday, the complainant went to the residence, which is located on the 38th floor, and met a woman who introduced herself as Natasha, supposedly another agent before being asked to make an advance payment," he said in a statement.
Aidil said the victim then made a payment of RM1,150 into a bank account that same night.
However, he said the suspect gave various excuses after the payment was made and failed to provide a rental agreement as promised.
"The complainant began to suspect that he was being cheated after being informed that the unit in question was actually a homestay and not a unit for rent by the owner in question," he said.
He said the case was being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
The public is reminded to be more careful when renting houses online, including ensuring the background of the agent to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. - April 28, 2025