Dozens Hit By Car Installment Scam
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - In what has been described as the biggest scam of the year, several car buyers allegedly fell into the trap of a saleslady who promised them with low installments but ended-up swindling the victims' money.

The victims came to know about the scam when the bank called them to inform that it has not received installments and cautioned buyers that their cars would be repossessed.

The victims, some of whom were represented by their lawyers, lodged reports at the Central Police Station. Reliable sources said more than 100 buyers were allegedly duped by the saleslady.

The Acting Head of the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Pg. Mohd Roslin, yesterday confirmed receiving reports, which were lodged at the Central Police Station recently. "To date 93 victims have lodged reports. I call on those who have fallen victims to such a trick to come forward and make a police report," he said.

One of the victims, a government servant at an enforcement agency who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told the Bulletin how he was duped by the alleged con woman.

"I bought a sports utility vehicle (SUV) from this agent based in Gadong who is authorised to sell this brand, which costs around $37,000.

"The lady made a juicy offer of low installments of about $250 per month.

After paying the initial down payment of $5,500, I paid installments of $250 instead of the normal $538 for the first three to four months by cash personally to her. She said after three months the bank would take over the repayment.

"No agreement was signed when I handed over the money (installment) by hand to the saleslady.

She also allegedly lured other customers by saying that such offer was limited only to certain buyers," he added.

"Out of the blue, the bank called me after three months saying payment was overdue for my car. As they have not received any payment they warned they would repossess my car.

I told them that I was paying the installments to the saleslady and the bank official said they will find ways to solve the problem.

"My cousin who bought a four-wheel drive was also duped by the trickster and was offered similar low installments of $250 a month," he added.

Another victim, who was offered $350 in monthly installment for a sports car, said this could possibly be the biggest scam of the year.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with