Fake boss, real loss: Scammer poses as director, swindles Kuching firm of RM327,000

File photo for illustration purposes only. Photo credit: Pixabay

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Oct 16: A company in Kuching suffered a loss of RM327,000 after falling victim to a phone scam involving an impostor posing as its director on Thursday (Oct 15).

According to Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu, a 26-year-old woman employed by the company received a WhatsApp message from the number 017-3379405, with the individual claiming to be the company director.

“The victim was instructed to transfer company funds online as an advance payment to renew a new contract. She immediately informed the company’s accountant to arrange the transfer as instructed.

“Two transactions were made to different bank accounts. After the transfers were completed, the accountant reviewed the outgoing company funds and found that the names of the recipients were suspicious.

“The accountant then contacted the company director to verify the transactions, but the director denied any involvement in the matter,” he said in a statement.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.

Upon conviction, the offence carries a prison sentence of not less than one year and not more than 10 years, along with whipping. A fine may also be imposed.

Meanwhile, Alexson advised the public to remain calm and immediately end suspicious calls, avoid disclosing personal or banking information to unknown callers, and verify payment requests before transferring money to third parties.

Members of the public are also encouraged to check suspicious bank account and telephone numbers through the Royal Malaysia Police’s Semak Mule portal.

For enquiries or complaints, the public may contact the Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department hotline at 011-62890089 or email [email protected].

They may also contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) hotline at 997, which operates 24 hours a day. — DayakDaily