By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 26: Avoid engaging in legal services promoted online that claim to assist scam victims in recovering their monies to prevent falling prey to potential scams.
Sarawak United Peoples’ Party Public Complaints Bureau (SUPP PCB) chief Milton Foo issued this warning following an incident involving a middle-aged man from Kuching who, having lost a significant sum to a scam, encountered an online legal service promising money recovery.
“The victim approached me to verify the service. When I inquired if he had personally met the lawyer, he revealed he hadn’t, lacking information on the lawyer’s location or practice.
“Furthermore, he was assured payment for legal fees would only be required upon the successful recovery of the scammed funds,” he told a press conference at SUPP Headquarters today.
Expressing scepticism, Foo doubts that any practising lawyers or registered legal firms in Kuching, Sarawak, or Malaysia would guarantee or promise to retrieve funds for scam victims.
Upon personally investigating the online services, Foo confirmed their falseness, noting the misuse of the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) name and the 997 number in their advertisements to falsely imply collaboration with law enforcement and relevant authorities.
He emphasised that similar cases have recently been reported in national Chinese dailies.
“I strongly caution the public against engaging with online legal services. If you require such assistance, consult a reputable law firm by physically visiting and meeting with the lawyer.
“Then you can verify their practising certificate with the Bar Council, just like seeking a qualified doctor for medical advice or treatment when unwell,” Foo emphasised, urging the public to exercise caution and avoid falling for deceptive practices. — DayakDaily
