Phone scam cheats Bau saleswoman of RM3,200

KUCHING (March 25): A woman in her early 20s lost about RM3,200 after falling victim to a phone scam earlier this month.

Bau police chief Supt Mohd Haide A Rahman said the saleswoman lodged a report on March 8.

He said the victim received a phone call on March 7 at her home in Bau from an individual claiming to be from the Taobao platform, who alleged she had subscribed to an insurance plan worth RM500 for 24 months.

“The victim denied subscribing to the insurance. She was then instructed to make a payment of RM2,008.46 to cancel the subscription, with a promise that the amount would be refunded,” he said in a statement.

After making the payment, the victim received the promised refund.

However, she later received another call from an unknown number claiming to be from Bank Negara, instructing her to complete the cancellation process.

“Believing the claims, the victim made five transactions via two different QR codes provided, amounting to about RM3,200.

“However, she did not receive the promised refund, prompting her to lodge a police report,” he added.

Members of the public are advised not to entertain calls from unknown individuals or disclose banking information to unverified parties.

Victims of scams are urged to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) on 997 immediately after making any suspicious transactions.