I was prepared to forfeit the deposit. still, it pains my heart deeply.
GPT mentioned that i can bring it to small claims court as the VIN and car plate no potential misrepresentation with malicious intent. not sure it's worth the hassle or not.

there's no B&W agreement signed, only verbal agreement made. he also took a photo of my IC and driving license for him to proceed with PUSPAKOM and his thumbprint. He also mentioned that he has used up all of the 2.5k for the processing fee.

I have not transferred the balance remaining nor made my thumbprint.