MIRI: A local woman lost more than RM622,000 after falling prey to a scam syndicate masquerading as a Hong Kong law firm, which falsely promised to recover money she had earlier lost in an online jewellery scam.
The 27-year-old was duped into transferring RM622,792.65 through 12 cryptocurrency transactions carried out between June 23 and July 18, believing the payments were part of the legal process to reclaim her lost funds.
She was first approached through social media by an individual claiming to represent a Hong Kong lawyer, who offered to help recover the money she had lost in the previous online jewellery fraud.
Convinced the offer was legitimate, she followed the suspect’s instructions and made a series of cryptocurrency payments over nearly a month.
The victim only realised she had been scammed after she could no longer contact the suspect, whose phone number had blocked her.
Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the woman lodged a police report with the Commercial Crime Investigation Division (CCID) yesterday (July 18).
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
Members of the public are reminded to be wary of syndicates posing as lawyers or legal representatives offering to recover money lost in previous scams.
He advised the public not to make payments for supposed legal fees, taxes or processing charges without first verifying the authenticity of the individual or law firm involved.
