SIBU, May 30: A woman has been arrested for being involved in a house purchase scam involving a sum of over RM1 million.
Sibu District Police Chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said today that the 38-year-old local woman was arrested on May 27.
The suspect, he said, was believed to be carrying out fraudulent activities by offering to sell houses at cheap prices.
“A total of 37 police reports were received involving the suspect and investigation papers have been opened under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
“The total amount of losses suffered by all the victims is estimated at RM1.009 million,” he revealed.
Zulkipli said the suspect had deceived all the victims from 2019 until 2023 by offering to sell houses in the Sibu Jaya area below market price, in the range of RM120,000 up to
RM180,000 for two-storey terrace houses and semi-detached houses.
All the victims then made payments in cash for the purpose of advance booking and legal fees, he said.
“After the payment is made, the victim is given a deposit payment receipt and some victims were given sales and purchase agreement documents.
“The victims felt confident and introduced the scheme to family members and friends,” he said.
Zulkipli said that the victims when asked on the development of their house were given various reasons by the suspect.
“The victims realised that they had been deceived when they found out that the area was not designated for a housing project,” he said.
The woman was today charged with 40 counts of cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
As a preventive measure, Zulkipli advised the public to be vigilant and carry out a more detailed review of sellers or developers before buying houses. — DayakDaily
