IPOH: What started as a health check ordered by their ‘teacher’ turned into a digital trap for two teenage girls in Manjung.
They were referred to a bogus doctor who solicited nude photos under the guise of cancer screening.
Manjung OCPD Asst Comm Hasbullah Abd Rahman said the victims, both 15, were asked to send photos to the bogus doctor on messaging app Telegram, purportedly for breast and cervical cancer examination.
“Both victims were contacted on the app by another person who assumed the identity of their school teacher,” he said when contacted.
“They were then introduced to the ‘doctor’ who asked for personal and family information before the photo request.”
ACP Hasbullah said they were told that the photos would suffice without needing physical examination, he said in a statement on Saturday.
“The girls only realised they had been scammed after talking to the actual teacher.
“They lodged a police report as they were afraid that their photos would be circulated.
“The case is now being investigated under Section 15(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act,” he added.
ACP Hasbullah urged the public, especially parents and school authorities, to be more alert when it comes to current crimes involving sexual offences against children.
“Children, especially pupils and students, should always be reminded not to easily share personal details with strangers.
“We also urge users to activate the two-step verification on the social messaging app as a means to protect their accounts,” he added.
Those with information regarding the case can contact investigating officer Insp Nur Munawarah Ahmad on 011-1624 0391 or the Manjung operations room at 05-688 6222 or WhatsApp Hotline at 017-682 8005, ACP Hasbullah said.
