Watch out for mule account threats

SARIKEI: The public is urged to take the threat of mule account holders seriously.

Mule accounts, used by scammers to extract money from unsuspecting victims, involve individuals who unknowingly become conduits for illicit transactions.

The modus operandi typically involves the account owner willingly divulging their banking details to a third party, and they (the account owner) are often enticed by promises of financial gain.

Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said that while the situation is still under control, it is crucial for the public to stay vigilant to avoid falling prey to such schemes.

“Reports regarding mule accounts have been received, but the number of cases in Sarawak remains manageable.

“However, commercial crimes have seen an upward trend in the first 11 months of this year,” he told reporters after officiating at the Commercial Crime Prevention Campaign and Exhibition at Rh Sibar Lubok Lemba on Saturday.

A policeman distributes commercial crime prevention flyers to longhouse residents.

Longhouse residents attentively listen to the talk at Commercial Crime Prevention Campaign and Exhibition.

Also present were his deputy Datuk Ibrahim Darus, department chiefs, and other police personnel.

Regarding the campaign, he assured that the police would intensify efforts to raise awareness, especially among rural residents, about various criminal threats, including scams and drug abuse among the youth.

The mobile campaign, actively involving the local community, will extend beyond village areas to include longhouses in remote areas.

“The program does not solely focus on online scams but also addresses other crimes such as drugs.

“In today’s world, we have witnessed various scams resulting in significant losses, and it has affected victims from diverse backgrounds, including villagers,” he said.