KUANTAN (Bernama): KUANTAN (Bernama): Within just a week, a farmer in Cameron Highlands was made RM290,606 poorer after a scam syndicate duped her into believing she was involved in drug smuggling activities and then offered her a way out — at a steep price.
According to Pahang Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Supt Mohd Wazir Mohd Yusuf, the 54-year-old victim said she made payments to members of the syndicate between April 52 and May 1.
The woman was first contacted by a "representative" of a delivery company on April 22 who informed her that a parcel addressed to her from Sarawak contained drugs. As a result, she was required to contact the police.
“The victim claimed she was then connected to one ‘Tuan Yong', who claimed to be a Bukit Aman officer who could resolve her problem if she deposited money into various accounts.
“Panicking, the victim followed his instructions, but she grew impatient when he kept persuading her to make more cash deposits,” Supt Mohd Wazir told newsmen here on Sunday (May 5).
Thee victim finally lodged a report at the Cameron Highlands district police headquarters on Saturday (May 4).
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail sentence of up to 10 years and caning upon conviction.
In a separate case, a 71-year-old ex-serviceman from here also became yet another victim of a scam, losing RM10,500.
The victim was contacted by someone impersonating as a telecommunications company representative, who told him his telephone number was being used as part of illegal gambling operations.
“The victim was then informed that there was an arrest warrant out that required him to make payments to the court's bank account. He was also told to be discreet about the matter for three days.
“However, the victim realised he had been scammed after deciding to share the matter with his daughter,” Supt Mohd Wazir said. — Bernama
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