Padawan cyber scams multiply five-fold to 51 over four-month period

DSP Lim Jaw Shyong

PADAWAN, July 2: Cyber scams such as Macau scams, non-existent loans and online purchase of goods, and others have resulted in over RM235,000 in losses in Padawan in just four months.

Padawan deputy police district chief DSP Lim Jaw Shyong said they received 51 reports on such cheating cases between March 1 to June 31 this year, whereas during the same period last year, they recorded only nine cases involving RM184,440.

“I would like to remind the public that these scams are happening on an almost daily basis, through telephone calls or social media.


“Please be aware, remain alert, be wary criminals’ modus operandi and always check the legitimacy of the matter to avoid becoming a victim of fraud,” Lim emphasised in a statement today.

Among the modus operandi used by syndicates was to make an offer through social networks such as WhatsApp, Facebook or Instagram to convince victims to part with their money over goods, loans and many more.

“Do not panic when you receive a phone call from someone you do not know. Do not obey the instructions given by these callers. Never reveal any personal information such as bank account details and never transfer money to a third party account.

“Cut off the conversation immediately and contact the nearest police station for help,” Lim added.

Members of the public can also contact Commercial Crime Investigation Department hotline (CCID) at 013-2111222 or visit their official portal http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule/# for up-to-date information on financial fraud. — DayakDaily