JOHOR BARU: Six caterers recently fell victim to a scam involving fraudulent food supply contracts purportedly issued by the Johor Fire and Rescue Department, resulting in almost RM25,000 in losses.
The scammer approached the caterers with fake one-year contracts to supply cooked meals for the department's events at various stations, including in Pasir Gudang and Kota Tinggi.
State department director Siti Rohani Nadir said the scammers requested up-front cash payments of RM1,000 or more, allegedly to purchase goody bags which was part of the contract requirements.
The payments were directed to a third-party bank account, believed to be the scammer's accomplice.
"Once the payment is made, the scammer cuts off all communication, leaving the suppliers out of pocket," she said when contacted.
She advised anyone approached by the scammers to lodge police reports.
Siti Rohani clarified that the department's procedures for outsourcing suppliers involved open tenders and do not include third parties.
In some instances, caterers prepared and delivered the cooked meals to the stations, only to find no events taking place and no orders placed by the department.
Meanwhile, Johor police chief Commissioner M. Kumar confirmed that six reports have been lodged, with total losses amounting to RM24,900.
The caterers in their reports claimed that they were contacted by an unknown individual who offered them a tender to supply food for upcoming events organised by the state Fire and Rescue Department.
Believing the offer to be legitimate, the victims made payments to a bank account, the number for which they had been given by the scammer.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, for cheating.
Kumar urged the public to be cautious of unsolicited offers received online or via phone and to verify such offers with the relevant agencies or departments before making any payments.