SIBU: In a distressing incident, two housewives here became victims of a phone scam syndicate, resulting in a total loss of RM20,600.
The victims, aged 43 and 51, were targeted by individuals claiming to be police officers, who falsely accused them of involvement in money laundering and drug-related activities.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said that due to fear and apprehension, the victims followed the suspects’ instructions and made three separate transactions before realising they had been deceived.
“The victims made three separate transactions on May 16 and 17, resulting in a loss of RM20,600.
“After making the payments, the victims realised they had been deceived and immediately went to the nearby police station to make a report,” he said in a statement today.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
Zulkipli advised the public not to panic or feel anxious when receiving phone calls from unknown individuals claiming to be from any government department or financial institution as a preventive measure.
For further advice or information, the public has been advised to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSC) at 997 or follow the Facebook page @CyberCrimeAlertRMP @JSJKPDRM.
The public should verify suspicious bank accounts and phone numbers through the website http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule/
