Beware of dodgy housing schemes
Too good to be true: An online advertisement promoting the affordable housing scheme, which was found to be illegally using the Penang coat of arms and Housing Board logo. — K.T. GOH/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Several social media pages have been found illegally using the state coat of arms and the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP) logo to promote their affordable housing schemes.
The advertisements offer attractive home ownership packages, including monthly payments as low as RM1,400 for condominiums and cashback incentives ranging from RM100,000 to RM200,000.
Some advertisements even claim to offer zero down payment for properties in prime areas such as Pulau Tikus, Tanjung Tokong and Butterworth.
A bank officer, who only wanted to be known as Rahman, said he found the advertisement appealing due to the affordable offers.
'I clicked the link and was redirected to a WhatsApp number.
'A so-called agent then asked for my personal details before proceeding further,' he said.
Sensing something suspicious, Rahman feared it could be a scam and promptly deleted the WhatsApp conversation without sharing any more information.
'The use of official symbols and collection of personal data raise concerns about attempts to falsely suggest it is a project endorsed by the state government,' he said.
A team from The Star also clicked on the phone number and was redirected to a WhatsApp conversation managed by AI bots.
The bots respond to basic queries, guiding users through a series of multiple-choice questions to assess their housing preferences.
Once enough information was gathered, a human agent will take over the conversation for further engagement.
He would tailor property recommendations based on initial enquiries and provide guidance on financing options, including potential government loan schemes.
While some of the properties mentioned appear to be real, the prices often vary significantly from what was advertised.
Agents claim they can liaise with potential buyers and help secure housing loans, adding an air of legitimacy to the conversation.
When contacted, Penang housing committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said the state government has no connection with the advertisements on social media.
'We have lodged reports with the police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission as the contact number owner listed in the advertisement has denied any responsibility,' he said.
He further urged the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any housing-related promotions or offers before making the next move.
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