The Sheng Nu Got Scammed

Today is the second day of the Malaysian school year here in Sabah. Unlike yesterday, today turned out to be better. The children behaved better and less were crying. 

During my afternoon gig of providing after school care to 6 children, a man came to the front door asking to buy my Dad's old car. I told him that the car is not for sale and went on to ask my Mum to talk to him. That was when things turned shonky.

The man began with small talk regarding the car and then switched to people we know in the past. It was like he knew our neighbours from the 60's & 70's. Then he suggested an offer to secure a low cost home for me. I did not take everything that was said seriously. I just don't believe anyone would give me a leg up. By then he was already in our living room. He showed me a form and then asked that I give him a copy of my ID card. I was reluctant but I really did not want my Mum having a go at me. Whenever I refuse to commit into something of her choice, she has a tendency to brand me as a scaredy cat or a snob. So I copied my ID and gave him my signatures on the form. My Mum asked him multiple times if we need to pay down payments and he replied no. He also said that my monthly payment is less than RM 150. Apparently he would try to get me a corner lot and apparently the houses are all terraced house. I sat there wondering how generous our government is in giving away a house to a spinster with no kids. 

As he stood up looking like he was about to leave, he asked for a drink to which my Mum quickly offered. As my Mum handed him a cup, he asked my Mum to pay a RM 650 processing fee. My Mum 'woke up' and refused outright. She turned to me and I refused right away also. He offered to half the amount but my Mum who was still hopeful to see her daughter getting a new home out of the blue, eventually settled to pay him RM100. With that he offered to take us to Kinarut to view the home on Sunday and to complete the payment then.

I just did not think he was legit even though he promised nothing presented is illegal. I felt so terrible that I sought the help of my ex student's Mum. She is a cop from the special branch. She suggested that we lodge a report at the police station.