New scam tactic uses fake police document to ensnare victims

MELAKA: Police here have uncovered the latest tactic of Macau scammers who use a false Notice of Suspect’s Presence document, supposedly issued by the Melaka contingent, asking the addressee to help in an investigation.

Melaka Commercial Crime Investigation Department head Supt E. Sundra Rajan said such a fake document, purportedly signed by the Melaka police chief, was sent via WhatsApp on Sunday (June 12) to trick a 24-year-old target.

He said the Notice of Suspect's Presence received by the victim claimed that the recipient was suspected of being involved in drug smuggling, money laundering and receiving a commission of RM228,000.

"In the fake document, the victim was asked to cooperate with the Melaka police contingent headquarters within two hours of receiving the letter or an arrest warrant would be issued immediately.

"The document also claimed that the victim's bank account would be frozen within 16 months and the victim would be remanded for 45 days," he said in a statement on Monday (June 13).

Supt Sundra Rajan said the victim was also warned not to tell others about the document but fortunately, he contacted the contingent via WhatsApp to ask for more information.

He said the police investigation found that the fake document was a new approach used by the syndicate to deceive and intimidate individuals into believing that they were the subject of an actual police investigation.

"The victim would then be instructed to provide bank account details and banking information to the syndicate which would siphon money from the victim's account.

"Anyone who has received this fake document should inform the nearest police station or contact the CCID Scam Response Centre at 03-26101559/1599 for inquiries or confirmation to avoid falling victim to this new cunning tactic of cheating," he added. – Bernama