KUANTAN: A businessman's dream to set up his own shop was dashed when he was cheated RM36,700 by a "middleman" who claimed to be from the Kuantan Municipal Council.
The 26-year-old victim's nightmare began on Feb 2 when a friend introduced him to the man who said he was a "runner" handling licence applications and related matters with the local municipal council.
Pahang Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Superintendent Mohd Wazir Mohd Yusof said the victim wanted to apply for a licence for his food outlet which was supposed to operate at Jalan Teluk Sisek here.
He said the victim then met the suspect to obtain planning and building approval for the food premises and was informed that he could help secure a business licence.
"Unsuspectingly, the victim made seven transactions amounting to RM36,700 to the suspect's account. The suspect claimed the money was for various purposes including planning and development, deposit and architect's fees.
"However, despite making the payment, the victim did not receive any approval or licence for his premises. Instead, he was asked to pay RM7,100 as payment for outstanding MPK summonses," he said today.
Wazir said when the victim could no longer contact the suspect, he knew something was amiss and when he verified with the authorities, he realised that the suspect did not make any payments.
He said the victim lodged a police report at the district police station here yesterday.
In a separate case, Wazir said 55-year-old a telecommunication service officer was cheated RM30,700 after providing her online banking details including Transaction Authorisation Code (TAC) to a conman.
Wazir said the victim received a phone call from a court in Melaka claiming a credit card registered under her name was involved in money laundering activities.
"When she denied the claims, the call was transferred to a bogus policeman with the rank of Assistant Superintendent who asked the victim's online banking details including password. The victim even provided the TAC details before realising that she lost all her savings," he said.
Wazir said both cases is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides for a maximum jail term of 10 years and whipping, and a fine if convicted.
