KUANTAN: Two individuals here were relieved when they finally managed to secure a large order of face masks and hand sanitisers through Facebook.
However, their joy was short-lived when the items, worth RM5,324, which they ordered separately, were not delivered as promised and the sellers could not be contacted after payment was made.
In the first incident, a 29-year-old mechanic had placed orders for 100 hand sanitisers worth RM2,500 during the first days of the Movement Control Order (MCO)
Pahang Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Superintendent Mohd Wazir Mohd Yusof said the victim spotted the advertisement posted by an alleged hand sanitiser supplier on Facebook, and immediately made the online payment.
"The following day, the victim spotted an advertisement promoting face masks and ordered 80 boxes priced at RM848. He immediately paid via online payment and was promised that the items will be delivered soon.
"However, till yesterday, none of the items arrived and since he could not get any updates from the sellers, the man lodged a police report at the district police station," he said.
Wazir said in the second case on March 23, a 45-year-old contractor had spotted an advertisement selling face masks on Facebook and sent a WhatsApp message to the number provided in the posting.
"The victim agreed to buy 83 boxes of face masks worth RM1,976 and made four transactions to complete the payment. After completing the first payment, she was given a tracking number for the items.
"She tried calling the seller to check on the delivery status, but the number could no longer be reached. She lodged a police report yesterday," he said.
Wazir reminded the public to be extra careful as there are culprits taking advantage of a shortage of personal protective equipment and sanitary items amidst the Covid-19 outbreak.
"Do not to be easily duped by scammers who advertise the sale of face masks on social media but fail to deliver the products. There has been an increase in demand for surgical face masks and we hope the public will be extra cautious when placing orders and making online purchase," he said.
Wazir said both cases are being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides for a maximum jail term of 10 years and whipping, and a fine if convicted.