SIBU: A clerk here lost RM23,734 to an online loan scam.
The incident came to light after the 30-something woman lodged a police report yesterday (Feb 28).
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the victim received a message from a suspect on WhatsApp on Feb 20.
“Intrigued by the scheme, the victim agreed to take a loan of RM20,000 with a monthly payment of RM600 for five years,” he said in a statement today.
Zulkipli said the victim was later instructed by the suspect to submit identification documents for the purpose of registration and was told to make payment as a processing fee.
Without a shadow of suspicion, the victim proceeded to transfer RM23,734 into two different bank accounts via three transactions between Feb 21 to 22.
“Despite following the suspect’s instruction, the victim never received the loan. It was at this point that the victim began to suspect foul play and realised that she had been cheated,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
Upon conviction, the offender can be sentenced to jail for a term of up to 10 years, and whipping, and is also liable to a fine.
