Contest winner duped into parting with RM3,100

(The Star. 23.01.2008)

KUANTAN: It was a dream come true for a 34-year-old man to perform the umrah in Mecca after winning a prize in a contest organised by a Malay daily.

However, his joy was short-lived after he discovered he had been conned of RM3,100 – the sum purported to be used for lodging and food while staying there.

According to state commercial crimes chief Supt Zaini Jass, the victim from Triang in Bera only knew he had been duped when the organiser called him to collect his prize at the daily’s office in Kuala Lumpur and discovered it was a free trip.

“The victim claimed he received a letter on Dec 28 from the daily informing him he was the winner and the prize was an umrah package worth RM4,500.

“However, the victim received a second letter the next day, instructing him to deposit RM3,100 supposedly for food and lodging in Mecca.

“The letter contained a bank account number and telephone number and said the money was to be deposited before Jan 8.

“The cash was banked into the account on Jan 4 and Jan 7,” he told reporters recently.
Supt Zaini said the victim lodged a report at Triang police station on the day he realised he had been duped.

He added that police believed the letters were forged.

“Investigations will look into whether anyone from the organiser’s side was involved,” he added.