Bau man loses RM9,800 to 4WD purchase scam found on Facebook

A 55-year-old man in Bau lost RM9,800 after falling victim to a fraudulent 4WD purchase scam on Facebook, according to Bau police chief Supt Mohd Haide A Rahman. The incident began on September 15 when the victim came across an advertisement for a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle advertised at RM18,250. Intrigued, the victim reached out to the supposed agent via WhatsApp to express his interest.

He was then directed to transfer RM3,000 as a 'booking fee'. Subsequently, the victim made two additional transactions totaling RM5,000 at an ATM machine in Moyan Baru to a bank account following instructions from another agent. On the following day, he transferred another RM1,800 to a different bank account, supposedly to release the car from the bank's storage, reports Borneo Post Online.

Later, the victim was informed that there was an error with the payment, requiring an additional RM6,800 to activate the purchase. Despite this, the victim did not make the additional payment. He realized he had been scammed when both supposed agents refused to meet with him. The case is currently under investigation for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property under Section 420 of the Penal Code.