Contractor poorer by RM110,000 in loan scam   

KUCHING: A 60-year-old construction contractor from Padawan has fallen victim to a non-existent loan scam, resulting in a significant financial loss of RM110,000.

Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said the case was reported to the police on Aug 12 after the victim was fleeced of his money starting from July 29.

“The victim came across an attractive loan advertisement on Facebook that appeared to be from a legitimate banking institution.

“Interested in the offer, the contractor contacted the suspect, through WhatsApp. Trusting the detailed explanations and favourable conditions presented by the suspect, the victim agreed to take out a loan amounting to RM250,000.

“However, before the loan could be processed, the victim was instructed to make several payments, which were explained as necessary fees for loan processing, deposits, stamp duties, legal services, and loan scoring,” he said.

Convinced by the suspect’s assurances, the victim made a series of payments via online transfers and Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs).

By early August 2024, the contractor had completed 23 transactions, transferring a total of RM110,000 to five different bank accounts.

The scam was uncovered when the suspect requested additional payments without delivering the promised loan. Realising he had been deceived, the victim reported the case to the local authorities, not before losing RM110,000.