KEPALA BATAS: A teacher ended up RM75,000 poorer after being cheated by a phone-based syndicate which claimed to be from the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).
The 28-year-old had received a telephone call from an individual claiming to be an IRB officer, who told him that he had unpaid company taxes.
Relating the case, Seberang Prai Utara district police chief Assistant Commissioner Noorzainy Mohd Noor said the victim was then transferred to another individual, who claimed to be a police officer from the Pahang state police.
The Pahang police officer, supposedly an 'Assistant Commissioner', told the victim he was also involved in drugs and money-laundering cases.
"Panicked, the victim followed the instructions given by the conmen and did not tell anyone about it.
He also downloaded a movie phone application, supposedly from Bank Negara, which required him to fill up his banking details.
"Soon after, the victim discovered that the balance in his bank account had reduced through trasactions, believed to have been conducted by the suspect through the application," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Police advised the people against dealing with unknown individuals over the phone and not to divulge any of their particulars.