TRADERMCONNED OF RM3 BY CHILDHOOD FRIEND
Conman promises victim Ex-Police Selangor Club membership, dupes him into paying large sums as ‘fees, donations’
A26-YEAR-OLD businessman was conned out of RM3 million by his childhood friend who promised to get him membership to honorific awards “clubs”, which turned out to be fakes.
According to MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong, the victim, Tan Yong Sheng, was tricked into signing up for the Ex-Police Selangor Club in July 2017 by the conman, identified only as Gan.
“Tan was told that he would be able to enjoy VIP benefits, access to car badges and other perks that would be good for his business.
“He was asked to pay Gan a monthly fee for the club’s donation, renewal fees and rebranding fees from July 2017 until April this year, totalling RM1,026,588.
“However, Gan did not provide Tan any receipt for the payments made.
“When Tan voiced his intention to get into the logistics business, Gan “arranged” for him to get fictitious permits, pay insurance and legal fees and obtain income tax clearance in June last year.
“Tan paid RM657,150 for the arrangements. However, he only received the SSM certificate as proof of payment,” he said at Wisma MCA here.
Present were Tan, his parents and lawyer Datuk Theng Book.
Chong said Gan had signed up Tan for the “Federal Territories Kuala Lumpur Association” without his consent, of which he had to pay RM257,900.
On top of that, Gan had also signed him up for the SAS International Club with a customised car number plate in January this year.
“This time, Tan had to pay RM350,000, but he received only a photocopy of the certificate.
“Not only that, he also paid RM603,000 for miscellaneous legal fees for loan agreements.
“Gan had also been using Tan’s credit card from December last year until April this year, involving RM121,356, without his consent.
“In total, Tan paid Gan RM3,015,994 from July 2017 until April this year,” he said, adding that Tan even had to borrow RM1 million from a loan shark to repay the loan balance and other miscellaneous fees.
Realising that he had been scammed of a huge amount of money, Tan decided to lodge a report on May 20 at Sekinchan police station in Sabak Bernam.
On why he wanted to become a member of the Ex-Police Selangor Club, he admitted it was all about greed and fame.
“I thought things would be easier for me wherever I go, if I have the car emblem as well the VIP police car sticker.
“I have regretted my action. All I cared for was to show off to the world that I have got all these perks and benefits at such a young age. I admit I was greedy,” said Tan.
Tan also regretted to have put his family, relatives and friends in a tight situation.
Theng said the case was being investigated under Section 415 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries up to five years imprisonment, or a fine, or both if convicted.