Police Investigate Social Media Account of Gowa Police Chief Selling Seized Car
JAKARTA - The police are investigating a social media account (medsos) used by irresponsible parties to use the name of the Gowa Police Chief AKBP Muhammad Aldy Sulaiman to sell seized cars for auction at a low price to potential victims in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi (South Sulawesi).
"I also received information that someone was using my name to commit fraud. I make sure it's a scammer. I never offered auction cars to anyone," said Police Chief Aldy when confirmed by reporters, Thursday, quoted by Antara.
This case of alleged fraud was revealed after a number of people received an offer to sell the car directly from the social media application WhatsApp (WA) Police Chief using his face. Later, after being cross-examined, it turned out to be a fraudster.
The Police Chief appealed to the public to be more vigilant and not easily believe in parties who represent officials, especially if it is related to suspicious transactions that can be detrimental.
"If there are people who are victims, immediately report to the Gowa Police. Currently, the team is investigating the account," he said.
One of the potential victims, Hendra Mappasomba, revealed that the scammer had sent a chat to his WA application and then contacted him claiming to be the Gowa Police Chief with the intention of offering a car unit under the guise of drug seizure cases.
This perpetrator even sent a photo of a Toyota Reborn 2.4 type G diesel automatic vehicle in 2021 offered for Rp. 180 million complete with supporting documents.
"I was called, he admitted to being the Gowa Police Chief. His profile photo is also the same, and his name on WhatsApp is Muhammad Aldy Sulaiman. The car was said to be a car for the state to auction, so it was offered to me," said Hendra.
Feeling suspicious that something was strange, he immediately confirmed to the Gowa Police about the offer. From the results of checking the phone number it turned out that it did not belong to the Police Chief, so it was strongly suspected that it was a scam.