Beware of intimidating callers: They're scammers, not investigators, says IGP

Acryl Sani speaking to fellow policemen at the blood donation drive.

KUALA LUMPUR: The police or any other investigating agency will not intimidate the people they are speaking to over the phone when conducting an investigation, says Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

The Inspector-General of Police said only scammers behave like this and the public must be aware of such tactics.

"Police officers will only call an individual to set up an appointment at the police station or headquarters in the course of an investigation.

"The police will not threaten anyone or instruct them to divulge personal or financial information," he told reporters after launching a blood donation programme at Bukit Aman on Monday (June 20).

Acryl Sani also said the public needed to be reminded of tactics used by scammers despite previous warnings.

He added while the trend of scam cases seemed to be going down, the public should not let their guard down.

"I understand that some people might panic when receiving calls from so-called government officers. In such instances, hang up the phone and contact the police district or state headquarters directly," he said.

Acryl Sani also praised efforts by the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) in combating online crime, especially scams.

"The CCID is also in the midst of preparing an anti-scam campaign (which will be launched soon)," he said.

Acryl Sani also said sharing intelligence with other enforcement agencies regionally and globally is integral to effectively combat commercial crime.

"It has led to various international syndicates brought to justice. Such collaborations must be enhanced to ensure more successful operations against such syndicates," he said.

He also reminded all police officers and personnel to carry out their duties as a team.

"There is no such a thing as working alone in the police. Collaboration and cooperation among personnel, officers and departments have led to the successes achieved by the police," he said.

Meanwhile, on the blood donation campaign, Acryl Sani said he was proud to learn that the police is among the agencies most consistently conducting blood donation campaigns.

"We are grateful for the collaboration with the Health Ministry, especially the National Blood Bank in organising blood donation drives and campaigns," he said.

Among those who attended the event were Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, other department directors and a representative from the National Blood Bank.

COURTS CRIME

Scam, Police, Blood Donation