A DEAL too good to be true is likely to be a scam. At least 30 people learnt this the hard way after placing deposits ranging between a few hundred ringgit and RM7,000 to book secondhand vehicles purportedly sold at half the market rate on an e-marketplace site.
Chong Wai Motor Enterprise manager Wong Kok Choong, 32, said many victims came to his used car dealership in Kepong, which the scammer claimed to represent, only to find that they had been duped.
“From the information I gathered from the victims, all dealings were done via text messages and calls.
"As soon the deposit was paid, the scammer becomes uncontactable.
“The scammer went by the name Stanley Wong and claimed to be working for Chong Wai Motor Enterprise (M) Sdn Bhd, which is very similar to my company’s name. The bogus company’s address was the same as mine.
“So, the victims came to my dealership to check on their purchase,” he said at a press conference as Kepong DAP office on Jan 9.
Kok Choong said he lodged two police reports last month but the police claimed they could not take action as it did not fall under commercial crime.
“I believe most victims have also lodged police reports, but I am not sure of the status.
“I have also lodged a complaint to the e-marketplace where the scams were taking place, but the administration said they would not be able to do anything.
"The scammer identified himself as a private seller to post the vehicle for sale, which does not require his company's details.
“When a possible buyer contacts the scammer, he gives more details including two bank account numbers where the deposits can be made.
“The scammer regularly posts and retracts vehicles for sale at the e-marketplace. I hope the word get out and no more people will fall for this scam,” he said.
Kepong MP political secretary Yew Jia Haur advised the public to be wary when they see ridiculously low prices and low interest rates.
“The scammer uses similar tactics to entice and fool victims.
“Dealings of vehicle purchase is best done face-to-face at the dealership after checking out the car, and not online or by phone.
“Do not make payment into individual bank account,” he said.
On a separate issue, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) was planning new guidelines for the rental of public parking bays with red lines after looking into the issue of parking bays being hogged tenants past the limit of 6.30pm.
“The guidelines will specifically highlight the nature of tenants’ businesses, duration of rent and number of rented parking bays for each tenant, among others.
“Some shops took up as many as eight parking bays each.This is very inconsiderate of the shop owners and unfair to the public who also has the right to use the parking spaces.
“For now, application for the rental of parking space and renewal of tenure have been frozen until further notice,” he said.
