BINTULU: A simple phone call about free health insurance cost a private retiree RM450,000 after scammers lured him into a web of lies.
The unfortunate incident happened in mid-June when the victim, a man in his 60s, received a call from an unknown individual claiming the retiree had been awarded a health insurance package from KPJ Damansara.
However, the call was then transferred to another suspect who impersonated a police officer and alleged that the victim was involved in a money laundering case linked to a politician.
Sarawak Police Commissioner, Datuk Mancha Ata, said the victim was later contacted by a woman, also believed to be part of the syndicate, who told him that investigations were underway and instructed him to comply with their orders and to keep the matter confidential.
“Over several days, the man conducted multiple fund transfers amounting to RM450,000 into bank accounts provided by the suspects.
“He only realised he had been scammed after coming across a news report describing a similar modus operandi,” he said.
The victim has since lodged a police report for further investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
In light of this, Mancha reminded the public to remain vigilant when receiving suspicious calls from unknown individuals.
“Any such calls should always be verified through official channels,” he said.
He added that victims of cybercrime such as phone scams, love scams, e-commerce fraud or non-existent loans, who have recently transferred money to a suspect’s account or e-wallet, should immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997.
For the latest updates on scam tactics and modus operandi, the public is urged to follow the official social media accounts of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) at @JSJKPDRM and @CyberCrimeAlertRMP on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
