Non-existent loan scam leaves Sibu bank clerk RM12,698 poorer

SIBU (Aug 1): A female bank clerk, who is in her 30s, lost RM12,698 to a non-existent loan scam.

Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili in a statement said on July 30, the victim came upon the company Duta Property offering personal loans online.

The victim, who was interested in getting a RM5,000 loan for a monthly repayment of RM100 for five years, contacted the company via WhatsApp, and provided her personal information.

A suspect named ‘Adam’ then instructed her to make an advance payment in order to register for the loan application.

From July 27 to 29, the victim made 15 money transfers amounting to RM12,698 into four local bank accounts given by the suspect.

Following the transactions, the victim was told to pay another RM1,630 as the processing service charge.

The victim became suspicious and decided to cancel the loan, but was told an additional payment of RM2,330 was needed for it.

Feeling duped, she lodged a police report on July 30.

Zulkipli reminded the public not to be easily deceived by advertisements promoting money loans with low interest rates and quick loan application processes without strict conditions or requiring any guarantee through social media.