TANGKAK: A 39-year-old clerk lost RM20,800 after falling victim to a personal loan scam involving a fake agreement and multiple bank transfers.
Tangkak OCPD Supt Roslan Mohd Talib said the victim, a local woman, had lodged a police report on April 12, claiming she had come across the fraudulent loan offer while conducting an online search.
“She was looking for a personal loan on behalf of her cousin and was attracted by the low interest rate offered,” said Supt Roslan in a statement here on Sunday (April 13).
He added that the victim, believing the scheme to be legitimate, then proceeded to communicate with the purported loan provider via WhatsApp, where she was also sent a loan agreement letter, which added to the appearance of legitimacy.
“Over time, she transferred a total of RM20,800 across seven transactions to five different bank accounts, before realising that the loan was a scam,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in jail, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.
Police have urged the public to be cautious and not to be easily swayed by loan schemes promising low interest rates and quick approval.
“The public is advised to verify the legitimacy of any financial offer or investment before committing, to avoid falling victim to scams,” said Supt Roslan.
He added that people should stay informed about the latest scam tactics by following the Commercial Crime Investigation Department’s official channels.
In the event of a scam, victims are urged to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 to prevent further loss of funds through rapid intervention.
