SIBU: A housewife was cheated of RM60,794 after being tricked into a so-called ritual to “ward off bad luck” by three foreigners.
The unfortunate incident happened on Sept 19 when the victim, in her 70s, was approached at Sibu Market by two women, believed to be foreigners, who pretended to ask for directions to a traditional Chinese medicine shop and a ritual site.
She was then led to a nearby car park, where the suspects took her into a vehicle with another foreign woman inside.
They claimed she carried bad luck that could bring harm to her family unless a special prayer ritual was performed.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the woman, who feared for her family’s safety, surrendered cash and jewellery worth RM60,794 to the suspects as part of the so-called ritual.
“After the bogus ceremony, the suspects handed her a black plastic bag and instructed her not to open it for a week.
“However, when her child later checked the bag, it was found to contain only instant noodles, a kilogram of salt and four bottles of mineral water,” he said.
Realising she had been duped, the woman lodged a police report and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and inducing the delivery of property.
In light of this, Zulkipli reminded the public not to be easily deceived by individuals offering traditional treatments, rituals, or curse removal ceremonies that demand cash or valuables.
“Do not fall for threats or promises that prey on fear or anxiety, as this could make you an easy target for fraud
“For advice or information on scams, the public may contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997, or follow @CyberCrimeAlertRMP and @JSJKPDRM on Facebook,” he said.
