Miri man loses over RM500,000 in online loan scam

MIRI (Feb 15): A 65-year-old private sector employee in Miri lost more than RM500,000 of his life savings after falling victim to a non-existent loan scam.

Miri district police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah, in a statement today, said a police report was lodged on Saturday by the victim.

He explained that the victim had come across a personal loan advetisement on Facebook and was interested in applying.

“The victim later communicated with a loan agent via WhatsApp and was asked to make payments for the local application.

“He subsequently transferred money amounting to RM549,448 in 106 transactions to various accounts as instructed by the suspect.

“The victim only realised he had been scammed after receiving advice from his children,” said Mohd Farhan.

Investigations are being conducted under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of imprisonment for not less than one year and not more than ten years, whipping, and a fine.

Police urge the public to always remain vigilant and not to easily trust personal loans offered online. The public is also advised not to make any online payments for processing fees or deposits.

“Verify the loan company’s licence with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) and immediately report to the police if you become a victim of fraud,” Mohd Farhan added.

The public is also encouraged to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 if they fall victim to cyber fraud such as phone scams, love scams, e-commerce scams, or non-existent loans, especially if money has just been transferred to a syndicate’s mule account.

Suspicious phone numbers and bank accounts can be checked through Check Scammers CCID or via the website http://semakmule.rmp.gov.my before making any financial transactions.

For more information, visit the Facebook pages of Commercial Crime Investigation Department, Cyber Crime Alert Royal Malaysia Police, and Commercial Crime Investigation Department Sarawak to obtain the latest information on fraud modus operandi.