KUALA LUMPUR: Two men who claimed to have strong political connections have conned 20 people into parting with RM200,000 in deposits for supposedly low-cost houses.

The victims said they paid deposits ranging from RM5,000 to RM14,000 in 1997 for the houses to the men, who claimed that they were authorised to collect the money for PKNS housing projects in Shah Alam, Sungai Buloh and Damansara.

Five of the victims — mostly-low income earners and labourers have sought the help of MCA Public Services and Complaints Department.

Narayanan, one of the victims, said a year after paying the deposits, there was no response from PKNS.

Realising that they were cheated, the victims confronted the men, who issued a letter promising that the payment was refundable.

Department head Michael Chong said the men issued several cheques in July and August this year, all of which bounced.

“We will refer the matter to our legal division for further action,” he said.