BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) has warned the public about a fraudulent letter titled ‘Notice of Involvement in Investigation’ that is being circulated using the force’s name and official logo.
According to the RBPF, the fake document falsely claims to be issued by its Cyber Crime Investigation Division under the Criminal Investigation Department and is accompanied by forged police warrant cards, with scammers impersonating police officers.
The letter alleges that recipients are under investigation for fraud offences under Section 420 and claims that the case is being investigated by both the RBPF and Interpol.
Recipients are instructed to keep the matter confidential from family members, colleagues and others, while being threatened with legal action if they fail to comply with the instructions.
The RBPF stressed that the letter is fake and was not issued by the police.
Police believe the document is part of a scam designed to intimidate victims into handing over money, banking details or personal information.
The public is advised not to panic or immediately believe any letter, phone call or message claiming they are involved in a criminal investigation.
They are also urged not to contact telephone numbers provided by suspicious individuals or open any links included in such communications.
The RBPF reminded the public never to disclose money, passwords, PIN numbers, one-time passwords (OTPs) or banking information, or transfer funds to any account purportedly for investigation or security purposes.
Anyone in doubt about the authenticity of a letter, phone call or message should verify the information by contacting the Anti-Scam Helpline at 16993, the Police Emergency Line 993, or the nearest police station.
The force emphasised that law enforcement agencies will never request money, bank transfers or banking information through telephone calls, messaging applications such as WhatsApp or suspicious letters.
The RBPF also advised the public to remain vigilant and not be deceived by threats or claims that they are under criminal investigation without first verifying the information.
The police said they view the misuse of the force’s name, logo and identity for fraudulent purposes seriously and urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
