IPOH: A total of 39 phone scam cases have been reported in the Manjung district involving losses of over RM780,000 from January to date.
Manjung OCPD Asst Comm Mohamed Nordin Abdullah said the latest case involving a retired civil servant was reported on Monday (Sept 16).
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He said the 64-year-old man lost RM5,000 after receiving a call from a “police officer” concerning an investigation to release an individual in police custody involved in a narcotics case.
“The victim lodged a police at 4.19pm on Monday after losing RM5,000 to the scammer,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 17).
ACP Mohamed Nordin said according to their records, the total losses in the 39 cases came to RM782,766.11.
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He said among the scammers' tactics was to pass themselves off as enforcement, police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, court, financial institution or Inland Revenue Board officers.
“Some also call claiming to be from courier companies.
“We keep stating that all dealings with government departments are carried out face to face, and not via telephone calls unless it is to set appointments," he added.
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He advised the public not to entertain calls from unknown parties, to inform their family or friends if they receive such calls, and check with the police or banks for verification.
“Never reveal your personal banking details on the phone.
“In Manjung, you may call the district police headquarters at 05-6899222, or the National Scam Response Centre at 997," he said.
