SIBU: A local woman accused of offering to sell non-existent houses at significantly discounted prices was charged in court here yesterday (May 30).
Suhana Abdullah, 38, was charged with 40 counts of cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries up to 10 years jail, whipping and a fine, if convicted.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the charges were made out against her following an extensive investigation.
“We have received a total of 37 police reports from victims who claimed to have fallen prey to her scheme.
“The total amount of losses suffered by the victims is estimated to be around RM1,009,000,” he said.
Suhana had allegedly deceived unsuspecting individuals since 2019 by enticing them with attractive offers to purchase residential lots in the Sibu Jaya area.
These properties were allegedly advertised at prices well below the market value, ranging from RM120,000 to RM180,000 for two-storey terrace houses and semi-detached houses.
He added that the victims, lured by the seemingly lucrative opportunity, made cash payments as advance booking fees and attorney fees.
“In return, they received deposit payment receipts and, in some cases, agreement documents to solidify the legitimacy of the transactions.
“Buoyed by the seemingly genuine documentation, the victims even went to recommend the woman to their family members and friends as a trusted seller.
“However, suspicions arose when they went to find out about the progress of the construction of their purchased properties and she evaded them by offering various excuses,” he said.
Eventually, the victims realised that they had been cheated after discovering that the promised development of the housing area had not materialised.
Zulkipli added that after receiving the police reports, a team from the Commercial Crime Investigation Division (Intelligence and Operations), managed to locate the woman and arrest her on May 27.
The public is urged to reach out to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 or visit the Facebook pages of @CyberCrimeAlertRMP @JSJKPDRM for advice and additional information.
They can also verify suspicious bank accounts and phone numbers through http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule/.
