By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 13: A 60-year-old contractor from Padawan who wanted to secure a RM250,000 loan sadly ended up losing RM110,000 instead after being duped by an online money lender impersonating a banking institution.
Sarawak Commissioner of Police Dato Mancha Ata revealed that the incident unfolded when the victim came across a money lending advertisement while browsing Facebook on July 29.
“Enticed by the offer, he contacted the so-called agent via WhatsApp and was convinced by the terms and conditions given by the suspect. Believing the deal to be legitimate, he then agreed to proceed with the RM250,000 loan.
“Subsequently, the victim was requested to make multiple payments under various pretexts, including loan processing fees, deposits, stamp duties, legal fees and scoring loan charges,” he said in a statement today.
Since the beginning of August, the victim made 23 online transactions, transferring a total of RM110,000 to five different bank accounts through automated teller machines (ATMs) and online banking.
The truth only dawned on him when the suspect demanded additional payments without releasing the loan amount.
Realising he had been duped, the victim lodged a police report on Aug 12.
Authorities are now investigating the case. — DayakDaily
