JOHOR BARU: Six police reports have been lodged so far with losses amounting to RM24,900 pertaining to scammers using the Johor Fire and Rescue Department’s name to trick caterers.
State police chief Comm M. Kumar, who confirmed the matter, said that the reports were lodged between last Friday (July 12) and Monday (July 15).
“According to the victims, they received a call from an unknown individual who offered a contract to supply food for ceremonies that will be held by the Johor Fire and Rescue Department.
“They were then instructed to make payments at certain amounts to a given bank account if they want to get the contract,” he said in a statement here on Tuesday (July 16).
Comm Kumar added that the victims believed the offer given to them where they made payments as instructed before realising they had been duped.
“They only realise that they have been cheated after making checks with the state Fire and Rescue Department where they have been told that the contract is not true.
“Police have since opened up investigation papers under Section 420 of the Penal Code,” he said adding that the public should not easily believe any offers either coming through phone calls or online.
Comm Kumar urged them to immediately carry out checks with the relevant agencies or departments if they received any offers to avoid being scammed.
On Monday, the Johor Fire and Rescue Department received four reports that caterers are being tricked into supplying food and money for non-existent events held at fire stations in the state.
Its director Siti Rohani Nadir said that reports were lodged by victims from Muar, Pasir Gudang, Kota Tinggi and Tangkak.
She said scammers are asking caterers to supply food for events to be held at fire stations.
"The offer is given on short notice and on a one-year contract basis.
"They also ask food suppliers to provide some money to purchase goodie bags for guests to the event," she said.
Siti Rohani added that funds were to be transferred to a third party, possibly an accomplice.
"However, after the transfer is made, the scammer blocks all calls from the caterers.
"Any company or individual who receives an offer to supply food or any suspicious request involving Bomba is encouraged to contact the fire station directly for confirmation," she said.
She also told those who have fallen victim to the scam to make a police report immediately.
