Scam alert. — DayakDaily.com file pic // Photo: Pixabay

MIRI, Nov 14: A foreign man in his 40s here was cheated of RM62,000 by a scammer posing as a customs officer who alleged that he was involved in smuggling sports goods.

The incident unfolded after the victim bought several sports items via Instagram.

Miri OCPD ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the incident was reported on Sunday (November 12).

“The suspect alleged that the victim was involved in smuggling the items and for that they have detained the items and to avoid legal consequences, the suspect coerced the victim into paying RM62,000 via 13 online transactions,” he said in a statement today.

The victim only realised he had been cheated after he disclosed the incident to his relatives, who told him that he had been the victim of a scammer.

The case is probed under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. — DayakDaily