KUCHING: Public complacency and ignorance towards scam syndicates are among the main reasons why scams continue to occur.
According to Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Aidi Ismail, the people are aware of the syndicates but some do not consider the matter important until they become victims of scams.
“We have always made announcements on the issue but we do not know if the community heeds the warnings,” he said in a recent interview with New Sarawak Tribune.
He said for the period from Jan 1 to Mar 10 this year, the police had received a total of 367 reports of scam cases in the state.
“The scammers often make calls disguised as police or court officials.
“We have made a series of arrests on this issue in Sarawak. For the period from January 1 to March 10 this year, there were 367 cases in the state.
“In most of these cases, the persons being deceived are often unaware and scared. When it hit them, the money had already run out and only then were the reports made. They also often do not believe it could happen to them.”
Aidi said the most common scams pertained to non-existent loans.
“This case happens when a victim tries to get a loan, for example, for RM10,000, but is cheated when asked to transfer a certain amount of funds to be eligible for the loan.
“Apart from that, there were cases of internet fraud where buyers made online purchases but no items were sent by the sellers,” he revealed.
Aidi said the police had arrested 127 individuals involved with fraudulent accounts.
“Most of these individuals do not know who the real mastermind is who uses their identities to create bank accounts. Many fake accounts are used and these syndicates will make use of the needy as their account holders.
“The police have also worked with banks to identify and investigate issues against people or individuals opening too many accounts and so far, a total of 75 individuals have been charged,” he added.
