IPOH: Police have arrested three individuals here and in Pandan Indah, Selangor, who are believed to be involved in a call scam syndicate that cheated a housewife of about RM240,000.
Perak police chief Comm Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said the arrests were made during a sting on Wednesday (Sept 3) following a tip-off and investigation.
Noor Hisam said police had received a report on Aug 12 from the 58-year-old housewife who fell victim to a call scam.
"The victim was told that her bank account was involved in criminal activities. Due to fear, she was duped and handed over her automated teller machine card to the syndicate," he said in a press statement on Saturday (Sept 6).
About RM240,000 was withdrawn without her knowledge.
Noor Hisam said the suspects' roles were to recruit individuals as mules to open digital bank accounts to be misused by the syndicate.
"Initial investigation found that the syndicate would pay between RM200 and RM300 for each account they successfully open.
All the suspects are being remanded to facilitate investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating," he said, adding that a few smart phones with banking apps and ATM cards were also seized during the operation.
If found guilty, they can be jailed up to 10 years.
Noor Hisam reminded the public that the police would never call a person and instruct them to move their money or submit any valuables.
"We urge the public not to give their personal banking details to another person as they can be arrested and charged in court if their accounts are used for criminal activities.
Those with information or inquiries about cheating cases can call the police commercial crime unit infoline on WhatsApp at 013-211 1222," he added.
