Businessman loses RM266k in scam in bid to buy face masks

SIBU: A businessman lost RM266,153 in a scam when he tried to purchase 20,000 boxes of face masks on the Internet.

Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Stanley Jonathan Ringgit said around 7pm on Wednesday (Feb 19), the 36-year old victim received a call from a friend from Singapore who asked him to find face masks as the republic had run out of stock due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

"The victim then wrote on his Facebook account that he was looking for the items. Soon after, a person who identified himself as Heston Seah responded," ACP Stanley said.

He said that the victim was told by Heston that he was selling the masks at S$14 (RM41.81) per box.

Attracted by the offer, he placed an order for 20,000 boxes costing RM266,153.

"After making the payment, the victim told his Singaporean friend that the face masks would be sent to his home address," he said on Thursday (Feb 20).

However, after payment was made, his Singaporean friend did not receive the items while Heston had disappeared.

The case, ACP Stanley, said is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.