Police have arrested a young couple suspected of scamming victims through fraudulent digital camera rentals, causing losses amounting to RM13,600.
Selangor Police Chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar said the state’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) received reports from three victims who operate camera rental services in Ampang Jaya, Kajang, and Sepang. The incidents took place between July and this month.
Initial investigations revealed that all three victims had received WhatsApp messages from a woman pretending to be interested in renting their digital cameras.
“The syndicate’s modus operandi was to trick victims into handing over cameras under the guise of rental. The suspect would meet the victims at their homes, collect the cameras, and only pay for one day’s rental before disappearing,” Shazeli said in a statement today.
The rental rates ranged from RM115 to RM180 per day, depending on the camera model, and were advertised on Facebook. After making a one-day payment, the suspects failed to return the equipment and became uncontactable.
Acting on the reports, police arrested an 18-year-old local woman believed to be the main suspect, along with her boyfriend. Authorities also seized telecommunications devices, payment receipts used to deal with the victims, and some of the rented cameras.
In total, the three victims suffered losses of RM13,600. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
Shazeli said the investigation papers have been referred to the Selangor Deputy Public Prosecutor, and the couple has since been charged under Section 403 of the Penal Code. However, they pleaded not guilty and were released on bail.
“If convicted, they face a maximum jail term of five years, whipping, and a possible fine,” he added.
Shazeli also reminded the public to be cautious of scams involving online and face-to-face rentals or purchases. He urged people to verify transactions with authorities and keep up to date through the official Facebook page of Bukit Aman CCID at https://www.facebook.com/JSJKPDRM.
