KUCHING: A local man was duped out of RM104,310 after a scammer allegedly hijacked his friend’s WhatsApp account and tricked him into making payments for purported purchases.
The 49-year-old was at his office on Aug 13 when he received a WhatsApp message that appeared to be from his friend.
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the sender asked the victim for help to make advance payments for the purchase of several items.
Believing the request was genuine, the victim made four transactions to three different bank accounts between Aug 13 and 15.
“The payments amounted to RM104,310.
“However, the scam only came to light last Saturday (Aug 15) when the victim’s friend informed him that his WhatsApp account was believed to have been hacked.
“His friend also denied ever asking the victim to make any payments, prompting the victim to realise that he had been scammed,” he said.
The victim subsequently lodged a police report and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
Alexson stated that the offence carries a jail term of up to 10 years, whipping and a possible fine, upon conviction.
He reminded the public to verify any request for money, particularly when asked to transfer funds to third-party bank accounts, even if the request appears to come from someone they know.
They are also advised not to disclose personal or banking information to unknown callers and to immediately end suspicious calls.
Suspicious bank account numbers and telephone numbers can also be checked through the Semak Mule portal at https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my.
Those who suspect they have fallen victim to a scam should contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 or lodge a report at the nearest police station.
