JOHOR BARU: A 39-year-old woman suffered a loss of RM243,000 after falling for a phone scam, here.
Seri Alam OCPD Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the victim, who works as a teacher, lodged a police report on the incident on Saturday (Nov 30).
“The scam began on Nov 5 this year, when the victim received a call from someone claiming to be an officer from the National Financial Crime Centre (NFCC).
“The caller informed her that her bank account was suspected of being involved in fraudulent activities,” he said in a statement here on Sunday (Dec 1).
Supt Mohd Sohaimi shared that to gain her trust, the victim was then transferred to another individual who introduced themselves as a police officer from the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters.
“This second caller told the victim that her name was connected to a money laundering operation.
“The scammer further convinced the victim to transfer funds into a bank account provided by the suspect, claiming it was necessary for an audit and to "clean" her record,” he added.
Believing the scam to be legitimate, the victim transferred money on multiple occasions, from Nov 5 to Nov 23.
Over the course of nine transactions, she transferred a total of RM243,000 into two different bank accounts.
“The scam was uncovered when the suspect continued to pressure the victim for additional payments, raising her suspicions.
“Realising she had been deceived, the victim then reported the matter to the police,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a punishment of imprisonment for not less than one year and not more than ten years, along with a possible fine and caning.
Additionally, police are investigating the involvement of "money mule" accounts under Section 424 of the Penal Code, which addresses crimes related to payment instruments or accounts at financial institutions.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant against such scams and to report any suspicious activities to the police immediately.
