Two food operators in Johor lost RM8,800 after being tricked by a syndicate falsely using the state police headquarters’ name to order catering and souvenirs.
JOHOR BAHRU: Two food and catering operators have lost a total of RM8,800 to a scam syndicate impersonating the Johor police headquarters.
Johor police chief CP Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the victims were contacted via WhatsApp by individuals claiming to need catering for an event at the Johor Contingent Police Headquarters (IPK).
The suspects provided copies of fake government purchase orders to make the offer appear legitimate.
Believing the orders were real, the victims prepared packed meals and made payments for souvenirs into a bank account specified by the fraudsters.
They only realised they had been cheated when they arrived at the IPK to deliver the items.
Police informed them that no such orders had been placed and the suspects were unreachable.
Ab Rahaman confirmed that police did not issue any such orders.
The two victims suffered losses of RM3,800 and RM5,000 respectively.
He advised the public to be vigilant against unsolicited supply offers received via phone or social media.
The public should always verify such offers through the official channels of the relevant agencies before proceeding.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
