TEMERLOH: A self-employed man thought he was speaking to the cops about a loan allegedly registered under his name – but instead ended up losing RM129,000 to scammers.
Syndicate members convinced the 59-year-old victim that he was speaking to the "authorities" before instructing him to transfer his savings under the pretext of helping solve the problem.
The incident unfolded on Aug 23, when the victim received a call from a bank officer informing about a loan under his name.
The bank officer advised the victim to immediately lodge a police report on the matter to help clear his name as his information might have been misused by others.
Pahang Commercial Criminal Investigation Department Chief, Superintendent Mohd Wazir Mohd Yusof said the call was transferred to one "Assistant Superintendent Roslin" who informed the victim he might be involved in money laundering activities.
The suspect informed the victim that the "court auditor" had scrutinised the latter’s account and instructed the victim to deposit RM9,000 to help the authorities solve the case.
"Assuming it was part of procedures, the victim transferred RM9,000 before he was told to make several other transactions under the pretext of solving the problem. The victim ended up transferring a total of RM129,000.
"Roslin promised the victim that once the court completes the necessary procedures and the case has been cleared, the court will return the cash on Sept 11.
“When the victim did not receive any updates on Sept 11 and failed to contact Roslin, he realised he was cheated and lodged a police report yesterday," he said.
Wazir said the suspects had tricked the victim into believing that they were helping and convinced him to surrender his savings.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.