KUCHING: Eighty financial loan scam cases have been recorded in the state so far this year compared to 68 for the same consecutive period last year.
State Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) chief Supt Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah, who revealed this yesterday, pointed out that the elderly and the fairer gender seemed to be the main targets of the financial loan scam syndicates.
Those who have fallen prey to these scam syndicates include those working in the private sector and civil servants.
Based on police statistics, so far this year 42 women and 38 men have been cheated by the financial loan scam syndicates.
These victims comprise 20 unemployed individuals, 49 private workers and 11 civil servants and total losses suffered were valued at RM619, 731.04.
Interviewed at his office at the State Police Headquarters here yesterday, Mustafa added the police had successfully busted a financial loan scam syndicate comprising seven individuals including two women and that investigations were ongoing.
He advised the public to watch out for scammers who disguised themselves as officers from financial institutions offering financial loans.
He warned them not to be gullible when contacted by strangers who offered them loans.
Mustafa also reminded scam victims to lodge police reports.
“The state police have set up a hotline 013-2111222 to assist these victims,” he added.
