MIRI, Dec 6: A man in his 40s from Miri has reported a loss of RM11,500 to a phone scam, where the perpetrator posed as a policeman.
Miri Police OCPD ACP Alexson Naga Chabu stated that the report was lodged on Dec 4.
According to ACP Alexson, the victim received an unsolicited phone call from an individual claiming to be a policeman on Oct 30, alleging the victim’s involvement in money laundering activities.
The scammer instructed the victim to carry out financial transactions for an internal audit purportedly conducted by Bank Negara.
“The suspect convinced him that the money transfer was necessary to ensure it wasn’t linked to money laundering. The victim was promised that the funds would be returned once Bank Negara completed its investigation,” Alexson explained.
Two transactions were made by the victim into a bank account provided by the scammer.
However, the victim realized he had been deceived when the promised refund did not materialise.
The case is currently under investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which pertains to cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
Authorities are cautioning the public to remain vigilant against such phone scams and to verify the identity of individuals making unsolicited calls. — DayakDaily
