MUKAH: A get-rich-quick game on Facebook cost a local man RM22,856 when a scratch-and-win scam convinced him he had hit the jackpot prize of RM956,520.
According to Mukah district police headquarters (IPD), the 43-year-old lodged a report yesterday (July 13) after realising he had been duped while participating in the online contest.
It was understood that the alleged contest was promoted on a website linked via Facebook by an individual believed to be based overseas.
The man had made two separate purchases of scratch cards via the site and was later told he had won a grand prize worth RM956,520.
In order to claim the winnings, he was instructed to pay a 20 per cent “tax fee” before the prize money could be transferred into his account.
Believing this, the victim made four transactions — including the scratch card purchases and the so-called tax payments — amounting to RM22,856 into three different bank accounts.
Despite making the payments, the victim was continually pressured to pay additional suspicious charges, which eventually led him to believe he had been scammed.
Aside from that, the victim also found himself unable to access the Facebook page again.
Police have opened an investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
Members of the public are reminded to be cautious when dealing with any online platforms involving financial transactions.
Those who suspect they have been scammed are urged to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 for swift action.
