A settler has lodged a police report against a man who claimed to be a housing developer and conned him into paying RM31,000 in handling and legal fees for four 1Malaysia People’s Housing (PR1MA) homes, reported Bernama.
The PR1MA homes are located in Anak Bukit, Kedah and Kuala Krau, Temerloh.
“Attracted by the offer, the settler agreed to buy four units, two units in Kuala Krau and the other two units in Anak Bukit, Kedah, and paid RM7,500 in handling and legal fees for the houses, and other payments which amounted to RM31,000,” said Pahang Commercial Crime Investigation Department head Supt Mohd Wazir Yusof.
Mohd Wazir revealed that the 29-year old man have already been arrested, with the police seizing documents, including cheques for thousands of ringgit as well as house sale and purchase agreements.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) have consistently warned the public against engaging the services of illegal property agents and negotiators to reduce the risks when acquiring property.
Speaking at Malaysian Annual Real Estate Convention earlier in the month, MIEA president Eric Lim noted that while they have heard of complaints from homebuyers regarding illegal brokers, MIEA cannot do much since the brokers concerned are not registered with them.
“What we can suggest is to make a police report,” he said.
“However, if you are dealing with a registered agent or negotiator, should you have any complaint, you can always go to the registered agency or to the board to seek help,” added Lim.
Image sourced from PR1MA
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