After years of saving almost RM11,000, Melaka factory worker loses all to scammers

MELAKA: A 34-year-old factory operator took years to save RM10,950 but lost it instantly to scammers.

Melaka Commercial Crime chief Supt E. Sundra Rajan said the victim from Tiang Dua here told police that he had put aside a certain sum of his monthly salary for a few years as savings for rainy days.

"The victim was emotional when lodging a police report at Tiang Dua on April 3, hoping that his money could be recovered soon," Supt Sundra said on Monday (April 5).

Supt Sundra said the victim's ordeal started on Saturday (April 3) after receiving a call supposedly from the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) in Cyberjaya.

"The victim was accused of owing the IRB arrears of RM38,600 under a company registered under his name," he said.

Supt Sundra said the victim denied owning a company and was told by the scammer that he had also a police case for drug trafficking and money laundering.

He said the call was then transferred to the so-called Pahang police when an "Inspector" told the victim to transfer whatever money he has to another bank account.

Supt Sundra said the fraudster told the victim that his savings would be returned once the investigation has been completed.

He added the victim did not receive any calls after he transferred the money to the bank account provided by the scammer.

The victim then lodged a police report and the case is being probed under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.