By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 23: A 61-year-old local woman lost RM192,000 after falling victim to a phone scam involving suspects impersonating representatives of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and police officers.
Kuching District Police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the victim was at home on Oct 16 when she received a call from a suspect using the telephone number 011-21641990.
“The suspect allegedly deceived the woman by claiming that she was implicated in a money-laundering case.
“Believing the claims, the victim transferred money in a single transaction to a Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) account provided by the suspect, under the pretext of clearing her name from the alleged criminal case. She was also promised that the money would be returned,” he said in a statement today.
However, the victim became suspicious when she realised that the money had not been refunded and subsequently lodged a police report for further action.
Alexson said the case was being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
Upon conviction, the offence carries a jail term of between one and 10 years, whipping, and may also attract a fine.
He advised the public not to panic when receiving suspicious calls and to terminate such calls immediately.
Members of the public were also reminded not to disclose personal or banking information to unknown callers and to contact the nearest police station to verify suspicious claims or lodge a report.
They can also check suspicious telephone numbers and bank accounts through the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) Semak Mule portal at https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my.
Those who encounter suspicious activities are encouraged to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) hotline at 997 or reach the Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department via telephone or WhatsApp at 011-62890089, or email kjsjkswk@rmp.gov.my. — DayakDaily
