Bintulu man loses RM42,000 in fake tender scam

BINTULU (Oct 25): A man in his 40s here suffered a loss of RM42,000 after being deceived by a non-existent tender on Oct 22, said Bintulu District Police Chief Supt Nixon Joshua Ali.

He said the man received a call from an individual claiming to be a senior officer from the Kuching District Education Office, offering a tender to supply four units of Ecoflow Delta Pro series portable battery to primary schools in the Mukah and Sibu districts.

“The victim, attracted by the offer, proceeded to transfer money online to a ‘supplier’ introduced by the suspect,” Nixon said.

He said the victim only realised he had been deceived after checking with the Kuching District Education Office and found that no such tender had been offered.

The case will be investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries a prison sentence of no less than one year and up to 10 years, along with whipping, if found guilty.

Nixon also advised the public to be cautious about callers claiming to be government officials offering tenders or projects.

“Preferably, verify with the involved parties before making any payment or money transfer to avoid falling victim to online scams,” he added.

He also urged anyone with information regarding this online scam to contact the investigating officer, Inspector Justin Goan Boon Kiat from the Bintulu District Commercial Crime Investigation Department, at 011-3393 1565 or the Bintulu IPD Operations Room at 086-318304.