SIBU: A housewife in her 40s lost RM243,300 after falling victim to an online lucky draw scam.
Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Zulkipli Suhaili said the Commercial Crime Investigation Division of the district police headquarters received a report on the matter on Thursday (Jan 22).
"The victim claimed she received a phone call on Dec 24 from an unknown individual who informed her that she had won a cash prize of RM237,000," he said in a statement on Friday (Jan 23).
According to him, the suspect instructed the victim to make an initial payment of RM6,000, purportedly to facilitate the withdrawal of the prize money.
Believing the claim, the victim proceeded to make multiple fund transfers to bank accounts provided by the suspect.
"As a result, the victim transferred money a total of 15 times, amounting to RM243,300, into 15 different local bank accounts," ACP Zulkipli said.
He added that after all payments were made, the promised prize money never materialised, prompting the victim to realise she had been deceived and lodge a police report.
Police have opened an investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
ACP Zulkipli advised the public to remain vigilant and be cautious of any offers involving cash prizes received through phone calls, messages, or social media platforms.
"Do not make any money transfers or deposits into personal bank accounts belonging to unknown individuals.
"Always verify with family members or the relevant authorities before carrying out any financial transactions," he said.
He also urged the public to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 for advice or assistance and to follow the Facebook pages Cybercrime Alert RMP and JSJK PDRM for the latest scam-related information.
They should also verify suspicious bank accounts and phone numbers via the Semak Mule portal on the Royal Malaysia Police website, he added.
