KUCHING: A local sports equipment supplier almost lost RM5,100 in a scam involving a woman who falsely claimed to represent the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sarawak.
The incident began on June 28 when the victim, who runs a shop in the city was contacted via WhatsApp by a woman identifying herself as Norliza Kamarulzaman. She claimed to be from the ministry and said she wanted to order sports items and souvenirs for official use.
On July 3 the woman followed up, saying her “friend,” identified as Raihana, would handle the souvenir purchases.
The victim when contacted by Utusan Sarawak said he communicated with Raihana and was told to pay a deposit before the order could proceed.
Trusting the deal, the victim transferred RM5,100 to a bank account.
Shortly after, Norliza sent another WhatsApp message, claiming she wanted to place a larger order for sports equipment and even provided a local purchase order (LPO) bearing what appeared to be the ministry’s logo.
The victim began to feel uneasy, particularly when the woman added a new order of 122 boxes of dates and claiming her former supplier no longer served government contracts.
When the victim visited the actual Ministry of Youth and Sports office, he discovered that no staff member by the name of Norliza Kamarulzaman existed. He immediately realised he had been scammed.
Acting quickly, the victim contacted his bank, which managed to freeze the account that received the RM5,100 transfer.
A police report was subsequently lodged, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports also filed a report after confirming the LPO document was fake.
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed the case is being investigated as fraud.
The LPO used in the scam resembled an official document but had a falsified code.
Akexson warned business owners to remain vigilant and verify identities before proceeding with any transactions involving government-linked purchases.
By Connie Chieng