Man loses over RM100,000 in phone scam involving fake defence ministry offer

File photo for illustration purposes only. Photo: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 3: A 46-year-old local man lost RM107,796 after falling victim to a phone scam syndicate that posed as representatives from the Ministry of Defence and a power station supplier.

Kuching District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the Commercial Crime Investigation Division of the Kuching District Police Headquarters received a report on the case on April 2.

He said the incident began on Feb 3, when the victim, who was at home, received a call from an unknown individual claiming to be from the Ministry of Defence.

“The suspect offered the victim an opportunity to become a supplier of a power station for a military camp in Muara Tuang, Kota Samarahan,” he said in a statement.

Believing the offer to be genuine, the victim was instructed to contact a purported power station supplier company based in Miri.

“The victim subsequently made four transactions, both via online transfer and bank counter deposits, into three different bank accounts, amounting to a total of RM107,796,” he added.

The victim only realised he had been scammed after being asked to make further payments, while the supposed supplier continued to give various excuses.

Police are investigating the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a jail term of between one and 10 years, whipping, and a possible fine upon conviction.

Alexson advised the public to remain vigilant and not panic when receiving suspicious calls, and to immediately end such calls.

He also reminded the public not to disclose personal or banking details to unknown callers, and to verify suspicious phone numbers or bank accounts via the Semak Mule portal at https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my.

Members of the public are urged to contact the nearest police station for verification or to lodge a report, and to report any suspicious activities to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) hotline at 997, or the Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department via WhatsApp at 011-62890089 or email [email protected]. — DayakDaily