A contractor suffered losses of more than RM122,000 after falling victim to a fake tender offer involving the supply of a generator for a higher learning institution (IPT) in Kuantan.
Kuantan District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Ashari Abu Samah said the 46-year-old victim received a message from an individual who claimed to be an employee of a local IPT, offering a tender opportunity for the victim’s company.
He said the suspect then instructed the victim to prepare a quotation for the supply of the equipment.
“To convince the victim, the suspect provided an offer letter and introduced a supplier company allegedly involved in the tender.
“Without suspecting anything, the victim agreed to the offer and made several payments into a bank account provided by the suspect, amounting to RM122,552,” he said.
Ashari said the suspect claimed the payments were required to purchase items needed to carry out the supposed tender project.
However, after making the payments, the victim went to the institution to verify the offer and was informed that no government order or quotation request had been issued by the organisation.
He said the victim then suspected he had been cheated after the suspect became unreachable before lodging a police report.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Ashari also advised the public, especially business owners, to remain cautious when receiving tender or quotation offers through messaging applications, social media platforms or phone calls.
He urged individuals to verify any offers directly with the relevant agencies, avoid making payments to suspicious accounts and seek confirmation through official channels before carrying out any transactions.
Members of the public who suspect they have fallen victim to scams are advised to immediately lodge a police report.
