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KUCHING, July 28: A businessman lost RM635,000 of his savings to a phone scam in Serian yesterday.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sarawak Dato Mancha Ata said the victim, who is in his 60s, stated that he had received a call from an unknown individual introducing himself as an inspector from the Perak Police Contingent (IPK) on July 17.
The suspect made up a story stating that the victim’s bank account was used by an individual under arrest and therefore, an arrest warrant would be issued for the victim and all his bank accounts would be investigated.
From here, the victim was lured even deeper into the story when he was called by a second individual posing as another inspector on July 21 and was directed to transfer his money to two new bank accounts as part of the investigation.
This later led the victim to make 35 transactions amounting to about RM635,000 to six bank accounts under different names by end of last month (July).
He was also warned against telling anybody about the case.
“The victim only realised that he was cheated after telling his younger sibling about the case before making a police report for further action.
“The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property which is punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 1 year and not more than 10 years and with whipping, and shall also be liable to fine,” he said in a statement today. — DayakDaily
