IPOH: A marine biologist here lost approximately RM500,000 after falling victim to a phone scam.
Perak police chief Comm Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said the 44-year-old victim was cheated by individuals who claimed to be from the police and accused him of being involved in money laundering and counterfeiting activities.
Comm Noor Hisam said the victim had received a call from an unknown number on May 14, accusing him of committing crimes.
"The victim was contacted again the following day by an individual who identified himself as a policeman from the Pahang contingent.
"The call was then connected to another individual who claimed to be a police investigating officer from Bukit Aman," he said in a statement on Thursday (July 10).
"Having believed the suspects, the victim made several transactions of money totalling RM500,000 to nine different bank accounts," he said.
"The money was the complainant's savings and also from his family," he added.
Comm Noor Hisam said the matter was being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
He also advised the people not to be easily trusting, especially when receiving a call from an unknown number that identifies itself as the police, the Internal Revenue Board, the court or courier services, with accusations of being involved in criminal activities.
"Never panic and share private information with anyone, especially one-time passwords and banking details.
"Just end the call and check with the relevant and official agencies," he added.
