‘Scammers using Wisma MCA name’

KUALA LUMPUR: There are no moneylenders operating from Wisma MCA, says an irate Datuk Seri Michael Chong.

The MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head said he had to clear the air after receiving many calls asking about such an office, said to be operating on level six of the building.

Chong, who has assisted many victims of ah long (illegal moneylenders) in the past, said he believed a fake loan scam syndicate was behind this.

“If you use your phone app to look for this location, you’ll probably end up at one of the nearby embassies.

“Today, two victims have come forward but I believe there are many more out there.

“These fraudsters are using the name of Wisma MCA to dupe their victims,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

Chong said calls from victims started coming from August.

“It was around the time offices were reopening after the lockdown,” he said.

A police report was lodged on Sept 29 by the management of the building.

The two victims who came forward – a “Mr Lim” and “Mrs Harimala” – said they contacted these moneylenders after seeing adverts on social media in September and August respectively.

Lim claimed he lost RM3,400 in three transactions while Harimala lost RM39,694 after being duped into making nine transactions into various accounts.

“The man, who introduced himself as Reno Lee, told me that I must first prove to him that I could repay the loan of RM40,000.

“He then instructed me to make two interest payments in advance,” said Harimala.

“Then, I was told to pay extra for insurance and sales charges,” she said, adding that she had to borrow from family members before realising it was a scam.