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By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, June 10: A retiree from Miri lost RM1.2 million in savings to a phone scam.
In a statement today, Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Sapri said the victim had lodged a police report yesterday (June 9).
He said the incident started on April 18 this year after the victim received a phone call from an individual claiming to be an officer from the Ministry of Health.
“He was then forwarded to two other callers who introduced themselves as ‘Sergeant Wong’ and ‘Inspector Khoo’ from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
“They claimed that the victim was involved in money laundering activities and had to be arrested to facilitate in the ‘investigation’,” he added.
During their conversation, the suspect asked the victim to open a new bank account and transfer all his savings.
Without hesitation, the victim revealed his bank account information to the suspect.
“The victim was instructed to transfer all of his savings, including from his Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), into the new account,” said Azman.
He added that the victim only realised he was being duped after discovering the money was missing from the bank account on June 8.
“The victim discovered that the money had been transferred in stages into an unknown bank account from April 19 to May 3 this year,” said Azman.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides a maximum jail term of 10 years and whipping and a fine if convicted.
Azman also reminded the public not to panic when contacted over the phone by individuals claiming that their names were linked to criminal activities. — DayakDaily
