Millions lost to car ad scams

KUALA LUMPUR: Cases of online vehicle purchasing scams are on the rise with losses amounting to millions since 2019.

Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Mohd Kamarudin Md Din said a total of 552 cases were recorded in 2019 with losses amounting to RM3.2mil.

“The cases increased 22.8% last year to 678 cases with RM5.9mil in losses.

“Between January and May this year, a total of 461 cases have already been recorded. The losses are about RM5.4mil, ” he said in a statement yesterday.

Comm Mohd Kamarudin said the syndicate would advertise the sale of imported vehicles on social media.“The vehicles were purportedly from Singapore, Thailand or Langkawi with the prices offered lower than the market rate.

“Those who were interested in purchasing the vehicles were then told to transfer funds to a mule account to settle various matters including payment for road tax, vehicle grant and Customs duty.

“However, after payment was made, the victim would not receive the vehicle, ” he said.

He advised the public to be cautious when purchasing cars online.

“Check the latest used-car price for the vehicle.

“Go to the company selling the vehicles and inspect the vehicles yourself as well as discuss with valid companies or agents, ” he said.

“Don’t easily believe advertisements offering vehicles at prices which are too cheap.

Some of these syndicates will claim the prices are as cheap as advertised as they are duty-exempted. Keep all payment and conversation records with the seller, ” he added.

Comm Mohd Kamarudin also reminded the public to check the bank account used by the seller to ensure it is not a mule account.

“The public can access CCID’s Semak Mule application and website (http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule/) to check whether the account is used by scammers, ” he said.

In an unrelated development, two groups of food delivery riders were issued compounds for violating the Covid-19 standard operating procedure despite being initially advised not to do so.

Sentul OCPD Asst Comm Beh Eng Lai said eight compounds were issued to a group of such riders for eating without maintaining physical distancing at 10.25am in Taman Segambut here on the first day of the lockdown.

“On Wednesday, four compounds were issued to another group of food delivery riders for eating at an empty stall at Batu 3, Jalan Ipoh, for the same offence.

“The police had advised them to comply with Covid-19 SOP but it was not heeded.

“We had to take action for the SOP violations, ” he said when contacted yesterday.

He was commenting on a social media post by Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh on Thursday, questioning the compounds issued to the food delivery riders.

ACP Beh advised the public to adhere to the SOP by not gathering in a group that prevents physical distancing.

Those with information on SOP violations can contact Sentul police at 03-4048 2206 or any nearest police station.