SEREMBAN: A 26-year-old pre-school teacher probably thought she got lucky when an online seller offered to sell her a Scottish cat breed for only RM900, not knowing that it was actually a scam which eventually cost her almost RM70,000.

       State Commercial Crime Investigations Department chief Supt Aibee Ab Ghani said the victim came across an advertisement on Facebook on Oct 23 and decided to make the purchase.

       “The victim called the number +62 895-3241-29741 advertised and was told that the cat was in Indonesia.

       “She was also told that she would only have to pay an upfront payment of RM450 and the balance after she got the cat,” he said.

       The victim transferred RM450 to a bank account belonging to an individual named Tansiaupenga Siagian but subsequently, was asked to make further payments before the cat is delivered to her.

       “The victim believed the scammer and within the next few hours, transferred RM32,080 via eight transactions to a local bank account.

       “The next day, she transferred another RM26,500 to the same account and RM10,000 to a second account,” Supt Aibee said.

       When the victim finally realised she had been scammed, she lodged a police report on Oct 26.

       “The victim had also sent the suspect a photograph of her identity card and her house address and is worried that these may be misused,” he added.

       The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

       Offenders face jail of between one and 10 years, whipping and a fine upon conviction.