If a Facebook ad offers cheap home repairs with free inspection — think twice. Victims across Sarawak are losing thousands.

The Sarawak Consumers Association (PPS) has sounded the alarm after receiving complaints from Kuching, Sibu, Miri and Bintulu about a suspected scam syndicate operating through Facebook ads.

The modus operandi? Ads offering free inspection and home repairs. Workers show up, do substandard or irrelevant work, pressure victims into paying via personal bank accounts — then disappear. The original problem remains unfixed.

Reported losses:

• Kuching: RM3,000 – RM4,200
• Sibu: RM5,400
• Miri: RM2,700
• Bintulu: RM5,600

The workers are reportedly Chinese nationals. PPS has raised concerns over possible immigration law violations and public safety risks.

"We are not talking about isolated incidents anymore. Victims from several divisions — even Peninsular Malaysia — have come forward with nearly identical stories," said PPS president Dr Wynson Ong.

Some victims have filed police reports, but the cases were not classified as fraud since the workers physically showed up and did some work.

Tips to stay safe:

• Verify the company's business address and license
• Never pay via personal bank accounts
• Get a written quote before any work starts
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

If you have been a victim, file a police report and contact PPS at 017-710 9299.

Source: DayakDaily | Borneo Post

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