Two Sarawakians fall prey to scams, lose over RM600k

KUCHING: Two victims from Sarawak recently fell prey to separate scams – a non-existent investment scheme and a fake online job offer, resulting in a combined loss of RM608,000 on July 11.

Sarawak Police Commissioner, Datuk Mancha Ata said in a press statement that the first case involved an engineer in his early 70s from Kuching, who fell victim to a fraudulent investment scheme.

“The victim had encountered an advertisement on Facebook promoting a stock market investment IPO on April 19, 2024, while at his home in Sibu.

“Intrigued by the offer, he contacted the suspect, who identified himself as Tan Teng Boo, via WhatsApp. The suspect persuaded the victim to transfer approximately RM500,000 over two transactions in May 2024, promising substantial returns.

“The victim realised he had been duped after receiving no returns and facing demands for additional payments,” Comm Mancha said.

The second case involved a restaurant worker in her early 20s from Bintulu. On July 2, 2024, she was added to a WhatsApp group named “B2-39 That’s It,” where an unknown individual offered online part-time jobs.

She was instructed to like and subscribe to YouTube accounts in exchange for commissions, which initially netted her around RM500.

“Encouraged by the initial payment, she performed more tasks, transferring a total of approximately RM108,000 in 23 transactions to seven different bank accounts.

“The victim used her and her mother’s savings, which she accessed without her mother’s knowledge. She realised the scam when the promised returns ceased to materialise,” he added.

Comm Mancha urged the public to avoid engaging with unknown callers or messages, to refrain from sharing banking information, and to verify job offers.

He advised investing only through platforms registered with Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission Malaysia. He also recommended using the “Whoscall” app to identify potential scammers.