Businessman conned of RM260,000 over masks

SIBU: With demand for face masks on the rise due to the Covid-19 coronavirus, scammers are quick to capitalise on the situation to dupe victims.

In a latest case here, a businessman was cheated of RM266,153 after placing orders for 20,000 boxes.

Police OCPD Asst Comm Stanley Jonathan Ringgit said the 36-year-old victim got a call from a Singaporean friend at about 7pm on Wednesday.

“The friend was seeking the victim’s help to get face masks as the island had ran out of stock.

“The victim then wrote on his Facebook account, asking where he could place orders.

“Soon after, a person who identified himself as one ‘Heston Seah’ responded,” he said.

ACP Jonathan said the victim was told that he could get the face masks at S$14 (RM per box in Singapore.

Attracted by the offer, the victim placed a bulk order with “Heston”.

“After making the payment, the victim told his friend that the face masks would be sent to his home address in Singapore.

“But nothing came while ‘Heston’ could not be reached and had gone missing,” he added.

ACP Jonathan said police were investigating the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.