MERADONG: A WhatsApp scam that saw a victim duped into transferring RM5,100 to a stranger’s bank account, has led police to an alleged account mule yesterday (Aug 17).
The suspect, who is in his 20s, was arrested by the Commercial Crime Investigation Division (CCID) during an operation codenamed ‘Ops Mule’ at around 1.30pm.
Meradong police chief DSP Tansli Mering said the suspect is believed to have played the role of an account mule after the victim received a WhatsApp message from someone posing as a friend and asking to borrow money.
“Believing the request was genuine, the victim transferred RM5,100 to the bank account provided.
“Further checks found that the suspect was also linked to police reports lodged in Sri Aman and Padawan.
The suspect has no prior criminal record.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years, whipping and a fine, upon conviction.
Tansli urged the public to verify any request for money received through WhatsApp or other online platforms before making a transfer.
Those who fall victim to online scams can contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 or Bintangor police station at 084-693222.
