Johor retiree duped of RM310,000 in Macau scam

BATU PAHAT: A retiree lost more than RM310,000 of her savings after being scammed by an individual claiming to be a police officer.

Batu Pahat acting OCPD Supt Shahrulanuar Mushaddat Abdullah Sani said they have received a report from the 60-year-old victim.

“The victim stated that on May 6, she received a call from a man who introduced himself as a police officer from the Perak police contingent.

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“The caller told the victim she was listed among the suspects who will be arrested for money laundering and all her assets would be frozen,” he said here on Wednesday (June 5).

Supt Shahrulanuar Mushaddat added that the suspect then told the victim to hand over her banking information and details, claiming that it was for investigation by the National Audit Department.

He said the victim then transferred RM66,050 to two different bank accounts in several transactions on May 19.

“However, on Monday (June 3), the victim checked her account via online banking and found that her savings were depleted.

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"The total loss suffered by the victim came to RM310,995,” he added.

Supt Shahrulanuar Mushaddat said the case was being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and urged the public to be careful when receiving calls from unknown numbers.

He added that the public should also check with the relevant authorities if they receive dubious instructions.