SIBU: A housewife lost nearly a quarter of a million ringgit after an online lucky draw scam drained more than RM240,000 from her savings.
The incident happened on Dec 24 last year when the victim, in her 40s, received a phone call from an unknown individual claiming she had won a cash prize worth RM237,000.
The suspect allegedly instructed her to make an upfront payment of RM6,000, purportedly to facilitate the release of the winnings.
Without hesitation and believing the winnings to be genuine, the woman made multiple transfers into bank accounts provided by the suspect.
She transferred RM243,300 via 15 transactions into 15 local bank accounts.
However, the promised prize money never arrived despite all payments being made.
Realising she had been cheated, the victim lodged a police report on Jan 22 and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
Sibu Police Chief, ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, advised the public to remain vigilant against cash prize offers received via phone calls, text messages, or social media platforms.
“They are reminded not to transfer money or make deposits into personal bank accounts belonging to unknown individuals.
“Anyone in doubt are encouraged to verify such offers with family members or relevant authorities before conducting any financial transactions,” he said.
For advice or immediate assistance, the public may contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997, follow @CyberCrimeAlertRMP and @JSJKPDRM on Facebook.
They can also verify suspicious bank accounts and phone numbers through http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule/.
