By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 20: A 75-year-old woman lost RM706,000 in a phone scam after being threatened with allegations that her identity card was linked to criminal fraud.
Kuching District Police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the incident unfolded when the elderly victim received a call on Aug 28 from an unknown number, 016-9934728, with the caller claiming to be from the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC).
“She was told that she had allegedly received illegal funds and was at risk of legal action. She denied the allegation and the call was later transferred to another number, 019-7963249 (Tuan Ling), and communication continued via WhatsApp,” he said in a statement today, confirming that the Commercial Crime Investigation Division has received the scam report.
During the conversation, the suspects instructed her to transfer money for an investigation by Bank Negara Malaysia, prompting her to make two separate transfers to different company bank accounts, totalling RM706,000.
“She only realised she had been scammed after discussing the matter with a friend, who advised her to lodge a police report,” Alexson added.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which covers cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. Conviction carries imprisonment of one to ten years, whipping, and a possible fine.
Police also reported that from Jan 1 to Nov 19 this year, they had investigated 93 similar cases, with total losses exceeding RM6.67 million, including this incident.
Authorities have urged the public to stay vigilant, avoid sharing personal or banking information with unknown callers, and verify suspicious numbers or accounts through official channels.
Those seeking assistance can contact the Sarawak JSJK Hotline at 011-62890089 or the National Scam Response Centre’s 24-hour hotline at 997. — DayakDaily
