MIRI: An assistant executive of a government agency lost RM385,000 after falling victim to a phone scam syndicate impersonating as a police officer.
The victim, in his 50s, lodged a report yesterday, after realising he had been duped.
Miri district police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the victim received a call from an unknown individual claiming to be a police officer from the Penang contingent police headquarters.
“The caller told the victim that he was allegedly involved in money laundering activities and was listed as a wanted person.
“The victim was then instructed to withdraw his Employees Provident Fund (EPF) savings and hand the money over for so-called police investigations,” he said in a statement.
Mohd Farhan said the man only became suspicious after the suspect requested additional payment.
“By then, the victim had already lost a total of RM385,000,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a penalty of imprisonment between one and 10 years, whipping, and a fine.
