POLICE have arrested a couple suspected of carrying out a fraud scheme involving falsified QR code payment receipts to obtain cigarettes before reselling them for profit, following a month-long operation targeting petrol stations and retail shops.
The suspects, aged 25 and 32, are believed to have been active since March, focusing on premises across Melaka Tengah and causing losses totalling nearly RM3,000.
Melaka Tengah district police chief Assistant Commissioner Christopher Patit said preliminary investigations revealed that the pair’s modus operandi involved purchasing cigarettes in bulk and presenting fake payment receipts generated using a mobile application.
“Suspects would then show the receipt to shop employees as proof of payment before leaving the premises,” he said in a statement.
He added that the cigarettes were not for personal use but were resold to retailers in the Bukit Baru area at approximately RM10 per pack to generate quick profits.
The unemployed couple was arrested during a police raid at a residence in Jalan Kampungku Sayang at about 3.31pm on Tuesday.
“With these arrests, police have solved six fraud cases involving the same modus operandi across six shops and petrol stations, with total losses amounting to RM2,955.50,” he said.
Christopher said the case is being investigated under Sections 420 and 471 of the Penal Code for cheating and using forged documents as genuine.
The suspects have been remanded for four days until April 24 to assist with investigations.
Police have also advised business owners to verify QR code and online payment transactions before completing sales to prevent similar scams.
“Members of the public, especially traders, are advised to verify payment transactions made via QR code or online transfer to avoid being deceived,” he said. - April 22, 2026
