Phone scam threatening criminal case nets RM161,200 from local woman

Police logo

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 3: A 26-year-old local woman lost RM161,200 after being threatened with a fabricated criminal case by a caller claiming to be a National Security and Recovery Centre (NSRC) officer in a sophisticated phone scam.

Kuching District Police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu disclosed that the victim was contacted on Jan 7 while in a public area by a suspect using the number 016-7595741, who impersonated an NSRC official.

“She was later connected to another line, 011-23870710, where the caller pretended to be a police officer and alleged that a criminal case had been filed in her name.

“Believing the threats, the victim carried out 12 money transfers to eight different bank accounts under the pretext of ‘cleaning’ her funds, with the promise that the money would be returned,” he said in a statement today.

The scam was uncovered after the victim visited her nearest police station to verify the supposed case and immediately lodged a report.

The case is now being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which deals with cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. Convictions under this section carry prison sentences ranging from one to ten years, whipping, and potentially a fine.

Alexson urged the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution when receiving calls from unknown numbers.

He advised people not to panic, to avoid sharing personal or banking information, and to verify any suspicious claims at their nearest police station.

He also recommended checking questionable phone numbers or bank accounts through PDRM’s official “Semak Mule” portal and reporting suspicious activity via the NSRC hotline or the Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department. — DayakDaily