Quick Check: Was a luxury watch dealer deceived after payment was ‘deposited’ into his account?

The manager of a restaurant in Batu Pahat said he was cheated in selling a luxury watch even though the buyer allegedly deposited the money into his bank account.

The victim said he sold two watches for RM140,000 to a buyer who traded with him via FB Messenger and WhatsApp.

When the seller saw that the check amount was deposited into the bank account, he delivered the product to the courier appointed by the buyer.

Unfortunately, when he checked his account the next day, the seller saw that the money was not there.

Is it possible for a deposited amount to “disappear” in this way?

DECISION:

TRUE

Batu Pahat OCPD Asst. According to Commissioner Shahrulanuar Mushaddat Abdullah Sani, the check stated that payment was declined and the check was listed as “returned.”

He said the 47-year-old victim posted an ad on Facebook on Oct 27, offering a watch worth RM88,000 for sale.

The suspect, who said he was interested in purchasing the product, contacted him via Messenger.

“The victim then offered the buyer another Rolex watch for RM52,000,” ACP Shahrulanuar Mushaddat said in a statement on Friday (Nov 8). he said.

He said the suspect agreed to buy both watches for RM88,000 and informed the seller that the check for this amount was deposited into his bank account on Monday (Nov 4).

The victim then saw that the deposit had been made and delivered the watches to the courier hired by the suspect.

When the victim checked his bank account on Tuesday, November 5, he discovered the check had not been paid.

“The incident is being investigated under Article 420 of the Criminal Code for fraud.

ACP Shahrulanuar Mushaddat said, “We remind the public to be careful while shopping for goods online to avoid falling victim to scams.” he said.

He also said the public can follow the Commercial Crime Investigation Department on Facebook at JSJKPDRM or CyberCrimeAlertRMP to get the latest information and updates on commercial crime tactics and plans.

Returned checks are checks whose payment was rejected due to insufficient balance in the account from which it was drawn.

In the past, fraud investigators have advised sellers not to deliver goods when the first check payment is made until the receiving bank confirms that the payment has been made and the money has been transferred to the account.