KUCHING: A total of 162 non-existent money lending scam cases involving losses amounting up to RM1.6 million were reported in Sarawak from January 1 to June 11 this year.
Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) chief Supt Maria Rasid said during the same period last year, there were 111 cases recorded with losses totalling RM922,000.
She added that from the total number of cases in 2020, police made 26 arrests and were actively pursuing information to curb and combat these non-existent money lending syndicates.
“We have recorded two new cases, one in Kota Samarahan and the other in Padawan dated May 31 and June 8.
“For the Kota Samarahan case, a 25-year-old woman was initially attracted to a money-lending advertisement on a website. She contacted the advertiser and was tricked to pay a total of RM36,000 through 16 bank transactions.
“Meanwhile, the Padawan case involved a 22-year-old woman who was interested to an advertisement about money loan on social media. She then contacted the advertiser and was scammed of RM800 as payment of ‘stamp fee’,” she said in a statement.
She said both victims did not get the loan requested even though the payments were made and, they only realised that they were cheated afterwards.
Maria advised the public not to borrow money from unknown persons and, it was best to get a loan from a licensed money lender or a financial institution.
“In addition, the community is advised not to allow the use or sale of bank statements to any party as it is feared that they will be used for crimes.
“If there is a police report on the account, the account owner will be charged in court,” she warned.
If anyone has any concerns or was likely to have been cheated, he or she can channel the information via whatsApp or text to the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) Infoline at 013-211 1222.
They can also visit the official portal http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule/# for up-to-date information and advice on financial fraud. In addition, the public may also contact Bank Negara Malaysia by calling 1-300-88 5465 (LINK); 082-224200 (BNM Kuching); or email: bnmtelelink@bnm.gov.my.
