Housewife in JB loses over RM1mil in Macau scam

JOHOR BARU: A 69-year-old housewife lost more than RM1mil of her savings after falling for a Macau scam here.

Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said the victim received a phone call from a man claiming to be an Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) officer in early September.

The suspect told the victim that she was involved in money laundering activities before connecting her to another suspect who claimed to be a police officer.

"The victim then opened up a bank account under her name and gave the account details and PIN number to the suspects.

"Between Sept 3 to 17, the victim made transfers from five other bank accounts into the new one amounting to RM1,032,513," he said in a statement here on Wednesday (Sept 22).

He added that the victim also provided transaction authorisation codes (TAC) to the suspects.

On Sept 21, the victim check on the account balance and found that it was empty and realised that she had been duped.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries maximum 10 years' imprisonment, whipping and a fine.

Comm Ayob added that members of the public should always be careful and be aware of the latest tactics and trends used by scammers to dupe their victims.

"Be careful when dealing with online transactions, investments or knowing someone through social media," he said, adding that the public can use the "Semak Mule" online application and website to identify accounts used by scammers in order to avoid becoming victims.