Miri man loses RM549,448 after falling for fake Facebook loan scam

File photo for illustration purposes only. Photo credit: BearyBoo from Pixabay

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 15: A 65-year-old man lost RM549,448 to a non-existent loan scam advertised on Facebook after dealing with a supposed agent through WhatsApp.

Kuching District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the local private-sector worker lodged a report on Saturday (Feb 14) after realising he had been deceived.

“The victim was instructed to make a series of payments linked to processing the loan application, transferring RM549,448 through 106 transactions into multiple bank accounts as directed by the suspect.

“He only realised he had been cheated after receiving advice from his family,” he said in a recent statement.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a penalty of imprisonment of between one and 10 years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.

Police advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid trusting online personal loan offers, particularly those requiring upfront processing fees or deposits.

They urged individuals to verify lending company licences with the Housing and Local Government Ministry before making financial commitments, and to report suspected fraud immediately.

Victims of cyber scams are encouraged to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) via hotline 997 if they have recently transferred funds, and to check suspicious phone numbers or bank accounts through the Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department’s (CCID) Check Scammers platform or the Semak Mule portal.

Members of the public can also follow official commercial crime investigation social media channels for updates on current scam tactics. — DayakDaily