SIBU: A car accessories shop owner here almost fell victim to a fake tender scam worth RM150,000.
National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) Sibu branch chairman Lucas Lau said, in a statement on Friday (Jan 24), that the shop owner's quick thinking prevented him from getting scammed.
Lau said the complainant, suspicious of the validity of the tender, referred to the Sibu MTPN for advice.
"After checking, MTPN found that the tender did not exist while the format of the offer letter and signature were also fraudulent to try to deceive the complainant," he said.
Lau said the shop owner was contacted in early December last year by an individual posing as a "government representative".
"The suspect told the complainant about the accessories needed and asked for a brand that was hard to find in the market.
"The complainant then informed the suspect that there was no supply available. However, the individual convinced the complainant by issuing a tender to supply and deliver vehicle spare parts and accessories worth RM150,000.
"The offer was sent via WhatsApp message and the suspect told the complainant to buy the stock through a particular telephone number," he said.
However, the complainant had doubts on the validity of the tender and checked with the branch.
Lau added that MTPN appealed to the public, especially traders, not to be easily fooled by any tender offers, calls or SMS by irresponsible parties trying to use the government's name.
"The public is also advised to refer to the validity of any suspicious offers, advertisements, quotations or tenders with the department or ministry offering the work in question.
"Do not be hasty and blind to the value of the work offered. Without any proper procedures and procedures, tenders will not be arbitrarily offered via SMS or phone calls," he said.
Lau also advised the public to contact it to avoid any attempts at fraud which are increasingly widespread.
