SIBU: A retiree has lost RM500,000 after falling victim to an e-commerce scam involving traditional Chinese health products.
The scam began in December last year when the victim, a woman in her 50s, encountered a Facebook advertisement for traditional Chinese health products posted by a suspect using the name Ti Zhi Guan Li.
Attracted by the offer, she contacted the suspect through WhatsApp to make a purchase.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said that the initial transaction went smoothly until the suspect proposed that the victim become a supplier of the products in Sibu, which would allow her to purchase them at a lower price.
“Without signing any agreement, the victim accepted the offer and was instructed to pay for the capital and transportation fees to import the products from China to Malaysia.
“Later, the victim was informed that the products were detained by Customs at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and she was asked to pay additional fees for their release.
“Between mid-December and the end of July this year, the victim transferred a total of RM500,000 in stages to six different bank accounts via 45 transactions,” he said.
Mancha pointed out that the scam unravelled when the victim realised that despite her payments, the suspect kept demanding for more money.
The victim reported the incident to the police on Aug 23 and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
