Two individuals have claimed they lost thousands of ringgit in two separate cases involving online purchases of face masks and hand sanitisers, said Pahang police.

Pahang Commercial Crime Investigation Department head Supt Mohd Wazir Mohd Yusof said both victims from Kuantan district, lodged police reports claiming that the products were advertised on different Facebook accounts since mid-March.

He said the first case involved a 29-year-old mechanic who paid RM3,348 for the purchase of 100 bottles of hand sanitiser and 80 boxes of face mask on March 18 and 19.

"Another victim was a 45-year-old female contractor who claimed to have made an online payment transaction of RM1,976 for 83 boxes of face masks on March 23.

"Both victims said they were unable to contact the seller after not receiving the goods within the notified period," he told reporters here today.

Mohd Wazir said the investigations were being conducted under Section 420 of the Penal Code which provides for a maximum jail term of 10 years and whipping, and could be fined upon conviction.

He advised the public to be vigilant while making online purchases and not to fall victim to opportunists who take advantage of the current COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

-- BERNAMA