MELAKA: Two women have been arrested over suspected involvement in a scam offering non-existent online loans, says Melaka’s top cop.
State police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said the suspects, aged 25 and 33 years old, respectively, were apprehended during a raid at a residence in Desa Cheng Perdana here on Monday (April 28).
“They are believed to be part of a syndicate involved in offering fictitious loans via online platforms,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (April 29).
DCP Dzulkhairi said that during the raid, police also seized several items including a computer, two mobile phones and a set of keys.
"Initial investigations revealed that the syndicate had been operating in the state for about a month, advertising loan offers through WhatsApp, Telegram and Facebook.
"The advertised loan amounts ranged from RM10,000 to RM60,000, with an interest rate of 2.88%," he said.
DCP Dzulkhairi said the arrested individuals acted as customer service agents, contacting victims using a list of phone numbers provided by an unidentified person.
"They were paid a monthly salary of RM2,000,” he said.
He said the victims who agreed to the loan terms were instructed to deposit a service fee of RM200 into mule accounts.
"They only realised they had been duped when the promised loan funds never materialised in their bank accounts," he said.
He added that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, whipping, and a possible fine upon conviction.
