SIBU: A trader in his 50s here lost RM79,499 after falling victim to an online prize draw scam earlier this month.
Sibu District Police Chief, ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, said the local male had joined a Facebook live session on August 7 promoting a prize draw or a gift box opening.
“The victim made a payment of RM499 to an account provided for participation, but did not win any prize.
“He then received a WhatsApp call from an overseas number, with the caller introducing himself as Mr Teng from Shanghai, China, claiming to represent a gold company planning to open a branch in Malaysia,” he said in a statement last night.
He said the caller allegedly told the victim that the company would be organising a lucky draw offering gift boxes containing cash in US dollars, with the supposed chance to become a business partner.
“Enticed by the offer, the victim agreed to purchase 80 gift boxes and transferred the payment to an account given by the suspect,” he said.
Zulkipli said, on August 12 (last Tuesday), the victim received another call from a woman identifying herself as Miss Lee, who claimed that the gift boxes had been opened and that he had won USD288,888.88.
“She told the victim the money would be transferred to his account the same day,” he said.
From August 7 to 13, Zulkipli said the victim made a total of 11 transactions amounting to RM79,499 into two local accounts.
“However, he never received any money, and his WhatsApp messages to the suspects were blocked.
“Realising he had been duped, the victim lodged a police report,” he said.
Zulkipli added that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
He advised the public to be cautious when participating in online prize draws of unverified authenticity to avoid falling prey to scams.
For enquiries or advice, contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 or follow the Facebook pages at CyberCrimeAlertRMP and at JSJKPDRM.
Meanwhile, bank account and phone numbers suspected to be suspicious can also be verified through the website at http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule/
