By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 18: Two Miri residents lost a total of RM457,100 in separate scam cases involving a bogus online investment scheme and a “phone scam” where the caller impersonated a police officer.
Miri District Police Chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said both victims—a woman in her early 40s and a man in his early 30s—lodged police reports yesterday (Oct 17) with the Miri Commercial Crime Investigation Division (BSJKD).
In the first case, the female victim came across an investment advertisement on Facebook and clicked a link that connected her to a so-called financial broker named Angeline via WhatsApp.
“The suspect offered an investment promising high returns. Attracted by the offer, the victim made several payments to multiple bank accounts provided by the suspect, totalling RM136,000,” Mohd Farhan said in a statement today.
The victim later made additional payments amounting to RM96,000, purportedly to cover ‘processing fees’ to withdraw her capital and profits. However, she never received the promised returns.
After consulting her bank, she was advised to lodge a police report, bringing her total loss to RM208,000.
In the second case, a man received a call from a person claiming to be from DHL Melaka. The caller, who identified himself as Ridzuan, accused the victim of sending a suspicious parcel.
When the victim denied this, the call was transferred to another number, where a woman introduced herself as a police officer.
“The caller showed the victim a fake police report claiming his name was involved in selling credit illegally. She then threatened that the victim would be arrested if he refused to cooperate,” Mohd Farhan revealed.
Fearing arrest, the victim transferred money to nine different bank accounts provided by the suspects, amounting to RM249,100.
He only realised it was a scam after discussing it with family members, who advised him to lodge a police report.
Both cases are being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a punishment of imprisonment for a term between one and ten years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.
Mohd Farhan reminded the public to remain cautious and avoid clicking on suspicious links or responding to unknown calls, especially those claiming to be from authorities or courier companies.
“Do not make any payments or share personal information. Verify the identity of the caller or contact the nearest police station before taking any action,” he urged.
He also encouraged anyone who suspects they may have fallen victim to scams to immediately contact the Miri District Police Headquarters or the Miri Commercial Crime Investigation Division. — DayakDaily
