SIBU: The Commercial Crime Investigation Division (CCID) of Sibu District Police headquarters is investigating a phone scam that led to a local student losing RM17,000.
According to ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, on May 11, the victim, a man in his 20s, received a call from an individual claiming to be from the Terengganu Police Contingent.
“The caller informed the victim that a parcel registered in his name had been detained, as it contained an identity card and a credit card. The impersonator accused the victim of being involved in money laundering and demanded his personal details and banking information to clear his name.
“The scammer then directed the victim to contact “Dato Shariff Mokhtar” to secure his bank account. Fearful and anxious, the victim complied with the instructions and transferred RM 17,000 to the provided account on May 13.
“The victim’s suspicions were aroused when he was asked to make an additional transfer of RM10,000, and the suspect began evading questions regarding the investigation,” he said.
Realising he had been scammed, the victim reported the incident to the police. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code
The authorities urge the public not to divulge personal information when receiving calls from unknown individuals claiming to represent government departments or financial institutions.
For advice and further information, individuals can contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997.
