Loan scams on the rise in Selangor

PETALING JAYA: A total of 51 loan scam cases have been recorded so far this year.

Selangor Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Asst Comm Muhammad Yazid Muhammad Yew said the cases were recorded between Jan 13 and Jan 25, involving losses of RM617,758.

"It is an increase of 12.8% compared to the same period last year, where 41 cases were recorded with losses amounting to RM547,686," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Jan 27).

Selangor CCID also detained 14 people and managed to solve 31 loan scam cases this year, he added.

"The scammers would advertise their ‘loan offers’ using the names of various bogus money lender companies over various medium to entice their victims.

"Among the platforms are Facebook, WhatsApp, WeChat, other social media sites and text messages," he said.

ACP Muhammad Yazid said a member of the syndicate would then contact the victim to supposedly begin the loan application process, he added.

"Various finance charges will be imposed including processing fee, stamp duty and payment for legal services.

"After the payments are made, the victim will still not get their loans," said ACP Muhammad Yazid, who also advised the people to always be careful when it comes to online loans.

"Due diligence must be done including checking with verified financial institutions before deciding to take loans from any party.

"The people can also check with CCID's SEMAKMULE site at www.rmp.gov/semakmule for transactions involving bank accounts and telephone numbers before taking any loans," he added.