SARATOK: A local man has been arrested for his alleged involvement as an account mule in a Facebook loan scam that defrauded a resident of RM11,228.84.
The 28-year-old suspect was taken into custody by the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) at around 7:00 pm on Monday (Nov 24).
Saratok police chief DSP Mathew Manggie confirmed that the arrest was made under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
“On Oct 31, the victim, a 49-year-old man from Kampung Melango, came across a Facebook advertisement promising quick loans.
“He communicated with a Chinese man and woman involved in the scheme and transferred RM11,228.84 in four transactions to several accounts they provided.
“The scam came to light on Nov 7 when the fraudsters demanded RM3,000 to ‘activate’ a financing account. Suspecting foul play, the victim contacted Maybank and learned he had been targeted by scammers,” he said.
The victim then lodged a police report, prompting the investigation.
During questioning, the suspect admitted to owning a CIMB bank account and had earlier handed his ATM card to a friend, which allowed his account to be used in the scam.
Mathew said the suspect is scheduled to face charges at Saratok Court on December 12.
