KUALA LUMPUR: Two women and a man have been detained for allegedly cheating a businessman out of RM294,850 over a fake "Datuk Seri" title.

       Kuala Lumpur Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) chief Asst Comm Mohd Mahidisham Ishak said the 33-year-old victim lodged a report claiming that a man offered him the title on Dec 1 on condition that he donate RM300,000 to the "palace".

       "The victim made payments from Jan 14 to 31, paying RM200,000 in cash and transferring RM94,850 to the suspect's bank account.

       "The victim was given a letter of appointment, two 'Ahli Setia di-Raja' cards, two vehicle emblems and a logo from a state.

       "However, the victim's friend, who is a Datuk Seri, told him that the awarding of the title was suspicious and doubtful," he said in a statement on Wednesday (March 16).

       He added that between March 10 and 14, police detained two women and a man, aged between 29 and 39, and seized documents on the awarding of titles.

       "One of the suspects claimed to be a Datuk Seri but checks revealed the individual's name was not on the list of recipients.

       "We are investigating under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and Section 15(1)(b) of the Offences Relating to Awards Act 2017," he said.

       He advised the public to avoid being duped by offers of titles by checking the list of "Darjah Kebesaran Bintang dan Pingat" at istiadat.gov.my.

       "People should not easily believe verbal offers of titles.

       "We urge those with information on any such criminal activity to call the KL police hotline at 03-2146 0584/0585 or contact the nearest police station," he said.