Factory Worker Scammed By Fake Used Car ‘Agent’, Loses RM17,500

Viral CCTV screengrab showing the fake used car 'agent' (left, wearing cap) present on the premise of the used car dealership in Kuantan where he scammed RM17,500 from a 22-year-old factory worker.

A 22-year-old factory worker from Kuala Terengganu recently learnt a bitter and hard lesson after being scammed by a fake used car ‘agent’ in Kuantan, Pahang late last week. According to Sinar Harian, this scam occurred last Friday and saw the victim cheated no less than RM17,500.

Additionally, the money lost here was from the victim’s own financial savings that he had earmarked to purchase a car.

According to the victim, he had intended to buy a used Perodua Myvi from the fake used car ‘agent’ after a series correspondences online via Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. From which, he had agreed to meet up with the ‘agent’ in question at a used car dealership situated along Jalan Beserah, Kuantan.

Following several online correspondences  via Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, the victim had agreed to purchase a used Perodua Myvi from the fake agent at a price of RM17,500. (Note: Image for illustration purpose only.)

Upon arriving at said dealership early on Friday morning, the ‘agent’ had also arranged for the victim to view the used Perodua Myvi that he offered said victim with at RM17,500. After that, the ‘agent’ then demanded RM3,500 up-front cash payment, to which the victim obliged.

Said ‘agent’ later accompanied the victim to a nearby bank to withdraw and collect the remaining amount in cash for the supposed sale before both went off on a lunch break. The victim only realised he was scammed when time came to take delivery of his newly purchased car from the dealership he viewed it at earlier.

“I was shocked when one of the sales consultants at the used car dealership said they didn’t receive any payments for the car I viewed,” said the victim. At which point, he was also informed by the dealership’s staff that the ‘agent’ he dealt with was not under their employment, but had impersonated as an agent or broker instead.

With the fake agent, known simply as ‘Nizam’, suddenly becoming uncontactable, the victim then proceeded to lodge a police report of the scam on the same day in Kuantan. Assistant Commissioner Wan Mohd Zahari, Kuantan District Police chief, confirmed the incident and report, and added that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.

The fake used car 'agent' (standing) brazenly arranged a car viewing session for the victim at a used car dealership in Kuantan, Pahang, last Friday. 

Police have also obtained CCTV footage from the dealership showing the supposed ‘transaction’ between the victim and the fake used car ‘agent’. Screengrabs of footage of which have also gone viral on social media posted by a relative of the victim pleading netizens to help search for the scam artist.

Unfortunately, this is yet another example of why one must take extra care and precautions, as well as perform all the necessary due diligence, when buying used cars online. Always be sure to purchase your used cars from reputable sellers and or trusted platforms.