KOTA BARU: A total of 176 complaints have been lodged against a shop assistant accused of fraud involving the sale of novels.
The fraud, carried out by a 26-year-old woman since February, involved transactions totalling RM19,059 made by buyers through the bank account of the suspect's acquaintance.
Kelantan Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director Azman Ismail said one of the 176 complaints was filed in the state, prompting immediate action.
"We managed to trace the woman, who works in Kuala Lumpur and arrested her for investigation following the complaint.
"The suspect has been actively operating as a novel scammer since February, collecting payments amounting to RM19,059 from 176 individuals for novel purchases.
"It is believed that the customers never received the books they paid for.
"Payments were made to the bank account of the suspect's acquaintance before being transferred to her own account," he said when contacted today.
Azman added that the suspect had been remanded for two days starting yesterday to facilitate investigations under Section 16(a) of the Consumer Protection Act 1999.
He urged the public not to be easily deceived by enticing offers and to verify the credibility of sellers before engaging in online transactions.
"We have received numerous complaints about online scams, but this is the first case involving a novel scammer.
"We hope the public will be more cautious about online fraud," he said.