Govt servant cheated of almost RM30,000 in non-existent loan scheme

PORT DICKSON: A 33-year-old government servant has been cheated of almost RM30,000 in a non-existent loan scheme here, says district OCPD Supt Aidi Sham Mohamad.

He said the victim had come across an advertisement on Facebook and decided to apply for a RM40,000 personal loan.

"However, a male suspect he was corresponding with asked the victim to bank in some money supposedly meant as fees to process his application, for insurance payment, legal and miscellaneous fees.

"The victim followed the instructions and banked in the money in stages into three separate accounts," he said in a statement.

After having banked in RM29,721, the victim was asked to remit another RM25,000 which was supposedly the final processing fee.

Supt Aidi Sham said the victim was also told that if he refused to do so, he would be blacklisted.

"The victim decided against banking in more money as he realised that he was being conned," he said, adding that the victim lodged a report on Sunday (March 28).

Supt Aidi Sham said police were probing the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

Offenders can be jailed between one and 10 years, whipped and fined upon conviction.

Separately, Supt Aidi Sham said police have opened 10 investigation papers related to cheating in non-existent loan schemes in the district so far this year involving RM63,250.

He advised those who wished to borrow money to do so with financial institutions or licensed moneylenders.

"Don't be easily influenced by advertisements you see on Facebook, WhatsApp application or posters offering loans," he added.