BALIK PULAU: A retiree here lost her life savings of nearly RM180,000 to a Macau scam syndicate recently.
The 69-year-old woman’s ordeal started when she received a call from a man, who introduced himself as “Inspector Firdaus” from the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters, on July 12.
She was told that her name was listed among several others in illegal online gaming, which she denied.
The caller then asked her to transfer her money to a separate account or risk having her account blocked by Bank Negara.
Southwest district police chief Superintendent A.A. Anbalagan said the caller also threatened the former school clerk with possible arrest if she refused to cooperate.
“Scared, the victim consented to the suspect’s request to transfer her money into another account.
“Altogether, the victim transferred RM179,890 into different accounts provided by the suspect,” he said, adding that she only realised much later that she had been duped.
Anbalagan urged Malaysians not to fall for such tactics.
“Despite repeated warnings, people continue to fall victim to such syndicates.
“We need to be mindful of the numerous tactics employed by such syndicates.” he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.