KUCHING: An elderly woman lost RM1.3 million after scammers posing as government and police officers convinced her that her phone number was linked to criminal activities.
The incident happened on July 31 when the 72-year-old victim received a call from an individual claiming to be from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), who alleged her number was involved in a crime.
Later, the call was transferred to a second individual introducing himself as “Sgt Tan” from Terengganu Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK).
Kuching Police Chief, ACP Alexson Naga Chabu, said the woman was instructed to transfer her money “for investigation purposes” into seven different bank accounts.
“She eventually moved a total of RM1,300,200 via 14 transactions. However, truth came to light when she realised she had been duped after speaking to her husband,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property, which carries up to 10 years imprisonment, whipping and a fine.
Between January 1 to November 16, the Kuching Commercial Crime Investigation Division (CCID) recorded 92 cases involving the same modus operandi with total losses amounting to RM5,965,575.50.
In light of this, Alexson urged the public to remain calm when receiving suspicious calls, hang up immediately, avoid giving out personal or banking details, and verify with the nearest police station.
They may also check dubious phone numbers or bank accounts via Semak Mule portal – https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my.
For further enquiries or to lodge complaints, the public may contact the Sarawak CCID hotline at 011-62890089, email kjsjkswk@rmp.gov.my, or call the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997.
