Miri retiree loses RM1.2 million to phone scam

MIRI: A 66-year-old retiree in Miri ended up losing RM1.2 million of his hard-earned savings to a phone scam after he was tricked into believing that authorities were going to investigate him for money laundering activities.
 
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Sapri, in a statement today, said the victim had received a phone call from an individual impersonating an officer from the Ministry of Health on April 18 this year before he was connected to two other callers who introduced themselves as ‘Sergeant Wong’ and ‘Inspector Khoo’ from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
 
“They claimed that the victim had been involved in money laundering activities, and for that he would be arrested to facilitate their investigation,” he said.
 
However, Azman said the victim had denied all the allegations.
 
During their conversation, the suspects asked the victim to open a new bank account and transfer all of his savings.
 
Without any hesitation, the victim revealed his bank account information to the suspect.
 
“The victim was then instructed to transfer all of his savings, including his cash in the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), into the newly opened account,” said Azman.
 
He added that the victim only realised he was being duped after he discovered that the money was missing from the bank account on June 8.
 
The victim then lodged a police report on June 9.
 
“The victim discovered that the money had been transferred in stages into an unknown bank account from April 19 to May 3 this year,” said Azman.
 
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides a maximum jail term of 10 years, whipping, and a fine if convicted.
 
In the meantime, Azman reminded the public not to panic when contacted by individuals claiming that their names were linked to criminal activities.