SIBU: A local businesswoman in her 50s lost RM110,000 after falling victim to a lottery scam involving a foreign man and two individuals she had just met.
Sibu District police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the victim lodged a police report yesterday (Apr 11) after realising she had been duped into making multiple payments under the pretext of redeeming a lottery prize.
“The incident began on March 20 when the victim met two individuals at a fast-food outlet in Tanah Mas. While they were talking, a foreign man approached and claimed he had won RM500,000 in a lottery but was unable to claim the winnings as he was not a local citizen,” he said in a statement today (Apr 12).
The man then offered the woman the opportunity to redeem the prize money on his behalf, on the condition that she pay RM200,000 upfront.
“The two individuals convinced the victim to share the payment, promising they would split the winnings and treat it as a joint investment. They even handed her RM150,000 and RM20,000 to help cover the payment,” he added.
Between March 20 and 31, the victim made one online transfer and four cash payments totalling RM110,000.
“She was told to wait three weeks for the payout, but when the promised money never arrived and the suspect demanded another RM3,000, the victim realised she had been scammed,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Zulkipli advised the public to remain cautious and not to easily trust individuals they have just met, especially when it involves handing over large sums of money.
“Always verify any claims involving financial transactions to avoid becoming a victim of fraud,” he said.
For assistance or to report suspicious activity, the public may contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) via the 997 hotline or follow updates on the Cyber Crime Alert Royal Malaysia Police Facebook page (@CyberCrimeAlertRMP, @JSJKPDRM).
Bank account and phone number verification can also be done through http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule/.
