KUCHING, Nov 23: Sarawak recorded a total of 273 loan fraud cases with losses involving RM3.32 million from January until Nov 22, this year.
According to Sarawak Commercial Crimes Investigation Department (CCID) head Supt Maria Rasid, in a statement today, a total of 205 cases involving losses of RM2.29 million were recorded during the same period last year.
“Two recent cases were recorded involving financial fraud that occurred in Sri Aman, involving a 26-year-old contractor, who lost RM5,940 to a loan scam and in Padawan, involving a 27-year-old businessman, who lost about RM1,300.
“The modus operandi for both cases are the same, where both of the victims applied for a loan online through Facebook page, and were instructed to make an advance payment either for the “approval fees”, “process fees” or an “insurance payment” for the loan,” she said.
On the same note, Maria also advised the public to be cautious when applying for a loan, especially when it involves an online loan service provider, in order to avoid being a scam victim.
According to her, most of the online loan schemes which are provided online or using social media, are a front for fraud.
“The public are advised to not easily fall prey to the loan offers provided on online websites, media socials and smartphones applications such as Facebook, Whatsapp, WeChat and many others, and should obtain the loan from a licensed money lenders, or any legitimate financial institution” she added.
Maria pointed out, a legitimate and licensed money lender who wanted to advertise their services online, must obtain a permit from the District Resident office throughout the state.
“The advertisement must contain the community credit logo, the name and address of the company providing the services, including the phone numbers and also the registered license number, which is issued by the District Resident office,” she said.
Meanwhile, Maria also advises the public to not lend or sell their bank account to any party, whether known or unknown.
“If the bank account is used by criminals, the owner of the account can be charged in court, and if the public have any concerns regarding the matter, or may have been deceived by such activity, they can channel the information to CCID infoline through WhatsApp or SMS at 013-211 1222.
“They can also go the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) official online portal at rmp.gov.my or ccid.rmp.gov.my (CCID) and also the official CCID’s Facebook page, to get the latest information and advice involving financial fraud,” she said. –DayakDaily.
