That same day, Mr Wong's company lost a BMW 5 Series after a customer failed to return it.

They later found out that the man had rented the car, which has yet to be recovered, using another person's identity.

The customer, who is in his 30s, initially asked to view the BMWs available for rent.

When he was told there were none available, he insisted on getting one as he had to pick up a VIP from the airport.

Out of goodwill, the company decided to rent him the BMW they used as a company car.

A staff member showing the fake and original licence plates.

The man handed over his IC and driver's licence for them to take down his particulars.

Mr Wong said: "There was some resemblance, but the pictures did not match his face fully.

"But he said the pictures were quite old, which was why he looked different now."

Mr Wong agreed to rent out the car for $800, with a deposit of $500, but only under the condition that the car be returned by 8pm that day.

When the car was not back by 8.30pm, Mr Wong decided to call and find out where the customer was.

There was no answer and after several calls the phone was turned off.

"Since we had his address from his IC, we decided to go to his home," said Mr Wong.

There, he was greeted by an elderly couple who told him the person he was looking for was a previous tenant.

Mr Wong managed to reach the former tenant after getting his contact.

But he soon realised he had the wrong person.

The man said he had lost his IC and driver's licence two years ago.

Mr Wong said: "Losing a car is a major inconvenience for us.

"Firstly, we still have to pay for the instalment of the car. Secondly, we're not getting any income which can be generated by renting out that car to a paying customer. Thirdly, there's someone out there using the car for free."