By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, March 10: A local businessman in his 50s has fallen victim to an online scam involving a non-existent solar system project, losing RM30,000 in the process.
Miri district police chief, ACP Alexson Naga Chabu, confirmed that the district’s Commercial Crime Investigation Division (CCID) received a police report on March 7 regarding the fraudulent scheme in which scammers impersonated officials from the Department of Agriculture.
According to Alexson, the victim became interested in a Facebook post seeking suppliers for a solar system for a Department of Agriculture project worth RM324,900.
After engaging with the Facebook user, he received a WhatsApp message from an individual claiming to be from the department.
The scammer assured the businessman that he could be appointed as the supplier on the condition that he purchased the solar system from a designated seller.
Trusting the arrangement, the businessman proceeded with the purchase and transferred the payment online to the bank account provided.
However, when he visited the Department of Agriculture the following day to verify the order, he was informed that no such project existed, realising he had been deceived.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries a prison sentence of no less than one year and up to ten years, along with whipping and a fine upon conviction.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and thoroughly verify online project offers before making financial commitments.
Victims of cyber scams—including job fraud, fake loans, love scams, e-commerce fraud, and phone scams—are advised to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997, especially if they have recently transferred funds to a suspect’s bank account or e-wallet. — DayakDaily
