Two auto parts companies conned of engine oil worth RM40,000
JOHOR BARU: Scammers have been using the name of a Johor-based quarry company to place orders for engine oil worth about RM40,000, leaving two automotive parts companies out of pocket.
The quarry company’s general manager, who wished to be known only as Vincent, 29, said the scammer impersonated his company’s managing director and founder to place the orders on Sept 4.
“We discovered the scam last Monday (Sept 7) after receiving calls from automotive parts companies based in Gelang Patah and Kuala Lumpur.
“The individual had ordered RM12,400 worth of engine oil via WhatsApp, and sent a purported interbank payment receipt stating that the payment was successful.
“The person then claimed the money would take time to be reflected in the company’s bank account and asked them to release the goods as he needed them urgently,” he said when interviewed.
Believing that payment had been made, the auto parts company released the engine oil to a p-hailing driver arranged by the individual, which was subsequently delivered to an address in Nilai, Negri Sembilan.
Vincent said the scammer created a digital name card using the name “Tan Hee Guan”, along with his quarry company’s address and other details to convince victims.
He said the following day, another auto parts company in Kuala Lumpur contacted his office saying the individual ordered almost RM30,000 worth of engine oil and, again, arranged for a p-hailing driver to collect the goods after sending a fake payment receipt.
“There was a third incident where a concrete company almost got scammed, but their staff contacted us to verify a large order apparently placed by the same individual using my company’s name.
“I want to clarify that there is no such person at our company and that our company name has been abused by scammers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Johor Motor Parts Traders’ Association chairman Chan Wah Yann said the association has received reports of more than 10 similar complaints from industry players, with such scams becoming more rampant over the past two months.
He said association members have also become potential victims after receiving orders from unknown individuals accompanied by payment receipts, only to find that the money had not been credited to their bank accounts.
“I advise companies to conduct due diligence and check their bank accounts to ensure the payment has actually been received before releasing any orders.
“These days, payment receipts and other proof of payment can be doctored and produced using artificial intelligence,” he said.
Chan said the scammers appeared to have knowledge of the motor parts industry based on their interactions with the victims, raising concerns that the goods could be resold to other shops at cheaper prices.
He also advised motor parts shops to avoid buying parts from unknown suppliers simply because they were cheaper.
