Woman conned into parting with almost RM1,000

Fake: The victim, Choo Foong Yoke showing the contract given by the conman identified only as “Boy.”

By PRIYA MENON priya@thestar.com.my

AN UNSUSPECTING mother from Sungai Way was tricked by a conman into parting with almost RM1,000 in return for a digital dictionary.

Choo Foong Yoke said the man, only known as “Boy” approached her to purchase the digital dictionary last month. “He somehow knew that my eldest daughter uses one and told me that he can help upgrade the current one,” said Choo. 

Choo met “Boy” in the morning where she paid RM999 and was given a non-applicable contract in return, with details of his MyKad number and false handphone numbers.

He had also written “One Set of double Purifier” as purchased item but unfortunately Choo did not understand what was written. He had promised that the digital dictionary would be delivered in the afternoon but instead called her up stating that she had to add more cash. “He also said that there are several government subsidies for schoolchildren, but in order for me to receive them, I had to bank in RM600 into his account. He would then give a cheque for the sum of RM1,200,” she said.

However, Choo did not believe his tale and requested for the digital dictionary. Several days later, he called and used foul language on Choo’s mother. Choo found out later that he had changed his number and she then contacted Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San.

Lau warned residents to be wary of the conman who could no longer be traced. He added that Choo would lodge a police report. Lau said this after a press conference to announce a health awareness campaign that will be held on Saturday at the JKKK Seri Setia, Sungai Way multipurpose hall.

The event is co-organised by the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) and the Kampung Tunku Assembly-man service centre.

“The campaign will also be held with the help of other organisations and Petaling Jaya City Coun-cil (MBPJ) councillor, Tiong Boon Keong,” added Lau.

This is the 19th event organised by the JKKK over the last four years. According to Lau, the number of senior citizens in Sungai Way is quite substantial. The campaign will focus on H. pylori bacteria that causes stomach ulcers and cancers, which are commonly faced by the Chinese community.

“H. pylori is a common problem — it usually spreads through saliva and can be caused by sharing of cutlery,” said IMA diagnostic manager (marketing and development) Dr Anthony Ng, who will be conducting tests.

Also present was Voice of Women Kuala Lumpur and Selangor president, Chew Hoong Ling, who will set up a booth to advocate organ donation via their Spread Love, Save Lives campaign.

Chew said the health screening will coincide with the end of their two-month campaign that has garnered 1,000 pledges so far. They hope to gain another 1,000. The health screening is free for the first 100 pre-registered participants. For details, call 016-521 4143 or 013-454 5143.