KUCHING: A phone call claiming to be from the police cost an elderly woman more than RM400,000 after being convinced that she was linked to a criminal case.
The incident occurred on Sept 17 last year when the 69-year-old victim received a call from an individual claiming to be a police officer, who alleged that a criminal case had been registered under her name.
Fearing legal trouble, the victim complied with the officer’s instructions and was told to transfer her money to several bank accounts in order to “clean” her funds.
She then transferred RM415,464 via six transactions into four different accounts after being assured that the money would be returned on Jan 5, 2026.
However, suspicions arose when the promised refund never came. The woman realised she had been cheated and lodged a police report for further investigation.
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
The offence is punishable with imprisonment of up to 10 years, caning and a fine, upon conviction.
In light of this, the public is reminded not to panic when receiving suspicious calls, immediately end such calls, and never disclose personal or banking information to unknown callers.
They are also advised to verify suspicious phone numbers or bank accounts through Semak Mule portal at https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my.
Alexson also urged the public to report suspicious scam-related activities to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) hotline at 997 or the Sarawak CCID via WhatsApp at 011-62890089 or email at kjsjkswk@rmp.gov.my.
