Retired teacher loses over RM1mil in Macau scam

PETALING JAYA: A 71-year-old retired teacher lost about RM1.06mil to a Macau scam recently.

Petaling JAYA OCPD Asst Comm Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal said the woman received a call on May 25 supposedly from a Pos Laju company that a parcel under her name was sent from Kepong to Kota Kinabalu.

"The caller alleged that the package was filled with contraband items.

"The call was then transferred to another scammer posing as "Sjn Chong" from Kota Kinabalu.

"The scammer said the victim was being investigated and warned her not to tell anyone or risk prosecution for money laundering," he told a press conference on Monday (July 27).

The victim transferred RM1.06mil of her life savings into ten bank accounts, he added.

"The transactions were made from June 15 until July 23.

"After realising that she has been duped, the victim lodged a police report," ACP Nik Ezanee said.

The Petaling Jaya Commercial Crime Investigation Department has already detected a few accounts used in the scam.

"We will investigate further.

"We believe such scammers often target senior citizens and retirees," he added.

ACP Nik Ezanee advised the public not to release any banking details to anyone.

"Always double-check with police or family members before taking action by transferring funds to these scammers.

"Always stay vigilant and be careful not to be duped by them," he said.