JERANTUT: A security guard fell victim to a Macau scam, losing RM12,800 of her savings, after being told that her name was linked with the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal.
In the Dec 2 incident, the 45-year-old secondary school security guard received a phone call from a “police corporal” from the Perlis police headquarters claiming that a Toyota Vios which was registered under her name was involved in a hit-and-run accident.
When she denied about the incident, her call was transferred to a “sergeant” who told her that he will verify the information with the court officials.
He then informed the victim that checks revealed that she was involved with cases related to 1MDB and told her to speak to“Inspector Narisa” who is on duty at the Seri Kembangan police station.
State Commercial Crime Department chief Superintendent Mohd Wazir Mohd Yusof said “Narisa” advised the victim to transfer all her savings into another account which will be provided by the “police.”
He said the victim transferred the money amounting RM12,800 on nine occasions but suspected something amiss when “Narisa” continued asking her to deposit more money.
“When she informed “Narisa” that she had no more cash in her savings, she was advised to take a bank loan. The victim informed her sister who told her to lodge a police report,” he said.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, Wazir said an information technology officer lost RM5,000 to Macau Scam syndicate members who were posing as a police officer and a court official.
He said the 29-year-old victim received phone calls from a policeman followed by a court official saying her car was involved in an accident in Ampang, Selangor and one person was killed in the incident.
“When she denied using the car as alleged by the suspects, she was told that there was another case involving money laundering under her name.
“Fearing that she will be arrested, the victim agreed with the suspect’s demand to pay RM5,000 and immediately transferred the cash to an account number provided by the culprits.
“When the suspects demanded her to pay legal fees, the victim became suspicious and lodged a police report here yesterday,” he said, adding the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.