Developer uncovers scam

Buyers cheated into paying deposit urged to come forward

KUALA LUMPUR: A developer here has uncovered a dubious offer to sell a plot of agricultural land that it owns.

Bina Puri Holdings Bhd found out about it when one of its staff was alerted to such a deal on Facebook where an agent claimed that the land in Karak, Bentong, belonged to the Pahang state government and was easily transferable.

Its chief operating officer Lee Tong Leong ( pic) said the land was subdivided into many plots and offered at a much lower rate than the market value.

“The land was to be sold at RM10,000 per acre and each offered lot has five acres, costing RM50,000; the market price should be about RM300,000 per acre,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Upon finding out about the suspicious offer, Lee said the company decided to probe further to confirm whether the seller was indeed putting up the company’s land for sale.

“Posing as interested buyers, we fixed an appointment with the agent. We were told to meet at a lawyer’s office, which turned out to be a normal office with no lawyer.”

He said they met the agent and alleged seller.

“We were shown a plan of the land that was subdivided into plots. We were briefed about the purchase procedure.”

“Upon confirmation, we were supposed to pay RM10,000 in advance payment for them to proceed to the Land Office to administer the process.”

Once the file number and receipt were finalised, they would collect the remaining RM40,000, he said, adding that the buyers were assured that the land would be delineated to them in eight months’ time.

For further confirmation, Lee said they went to the site with the agent and the man.

The land, he said, indeed belonged to the company.

“We have lodged a police report on Oct 14 and have consulted our legal advisor on the next step,” he said, adding that people should be alert and not fall victim to such a scam.

“The most important thing is that Bina Puri or its subsidiaries have never appointed any individual or company to market our products,” he said.

Lee noted that Bina Puri’s subsidiary, Karak Land Sdn Bhd (KLSB), had been developing the 1,600 acre (647.5ha) land with plans to turn it into a development suitable for homestead living, retirement planning and investment.

“At the moment, KLSB has developed about 850 acres (344ha), turning it into homestead land and durian plantation.

“The remaining land is slated for more development later,” he said, adding that the land was privately held and not government-owned as claimed.

Legal advisor Datuk Michael Wong said the company urged buyers who had paid deposits to the purported seller to come forward.

“We want to remind potential buyers and also agents not to be cheated,” he said.

Wong noted that buyers should first conduct a search of the property at the Land Office before paying any deposit.

“They must also gather the lawyer’s details and check with the developer if the unit or lot is registered,” he said.

Wong said they had provided all the relevant findings to the police.

“We will wait for police investigation first before deciding our next course of action,” he said.