SIBU: A mechanic and a student lost RM4,250 after they fell victim to an online purchase scam involving refrigerators.
Sibu OCPD ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said police received complaints from both victims, who are in their 30s, around 5.55pm yesterday (Feb 20).
The victims had come across the items on Facebook this month.
“They contacted the suspect through the WhatsApp application after they expressed interest to buy three refrigerators.
“The victims were later told to make payment to a given account,” he said.
However, after making the payment amounting to RM4,250, the victims did not receive the items.
When the victims tried to call the suspect, the line was blocked and it was then they realised they were cheated, and they lodged a polce report.
Zulkipli advised members of the public not to be easily fooled by online offers, saying they should only make transactions through legitimate channels.
“They must remember not to easily make payments into a bank account in the name of a different individual than the seller,” he said.
For further inquiries or advice, the public can contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997, or CCID Scam Response Centre at 03-26101559 or 03-26101599, or follow Facebook pages at @CyberCrimeAlertRMP and @JSJKPDRM.
