Beware Of Scam Artistes
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Bandar Seri Begawan - Locals are warned not to be taken for a ride by tricksters who employed various modus operandi to siphon their victims' hard-earned money as well as ideas and creativity.

Observers said one modus operandi was for the scam artist to portray himself as a rich businessman who wanted to share a part of his wealth with the locals.

The scam artist came up with offers to finance projects in the region worth millions of dollars, while asking victims to produce only US$ 1,000 for one share or US$ 100 for one-tenth of a share.

He would usually tell victims that he could actually finance the projects by himself, but wish to share his wealth with them. The projects were varied - such as constructing a bridge in a neighbouring country or supplying coal from one country to another.

When the money had passed hands, news of the projects was no longer heard. When enquiries were made, he would tell victims that the projects were of high value and as such, would take time to process, said observers.

"Now the scam artist tells victims that his business consultant is not doing his job properly and is asking for too much fee,"' they said.

Another known scam was for the artist to come to victims with architectural drawings of a proposed building the observers added.

When probed, it was discovered that the land was not even his and the project had never been submitted.

"The scam artist then told victims that the project had not been submitted as he was waiting for a change of land title and ownership.

Another employed modus operandi was for scam artistes to organise singing competitions and other social events," they said.

"After registration fees had been collected from prospective participants, the scam artistes would say that the events had been cancelled.

"However, the collected fees were never returned to participants and the events had not been rescheduled," they said.

In another case, a karaoke competition was indeed held but when prizes were presented, winners were given blank envelopes.

In other instances, social events were organised but food, venue rental and workers who helped to organise the events were never paid.

In another modus operandi, a scam artist organised two writing competitions a year ago but until now, results of the contests have not been announced and the organisers have kept quiet about them until now.

"Organisers should at least come up with reasons as to why the results of the writing competitions were never announced until today.

"Even though no money changed hands, writers had put their ideas and creativity to produce end results. The submitted entries can actually be collected and published into a book that can be sold," they said. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News