BENTONG: When his close friend sent a message on Facebook requesting to borrow some cash, a senior citizen immediately went to a bank to transfer RM1,600.
When he received another message for more cash, the 62-year-old retiree contacted his friend, only to learn that the friend had never sent him any messages on Facebook.
Pahang Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Superintendent Mohd Wazir Mohd Yusof said in the incident on June 13, the victim received a notification on Facebook Messenger from his friend.
"The friend wanted to borrow RM1,600 and instead of verifying with his friend, the man went to the nearest bank to transfer the cash. He sent the receipt as requested to the friend through Facebook Messenger.
"Minutes later, when the friend sent another message on Facebook to transfer RM600, the victim felt something amiss and immediately contacted his friend. The friend told the victim that he had never sent any messages on Facebook requesting to borrow cash from anyone," he said, adding the victim immediately lodged a police report.
Wazir reminded the public to exercise caution when receiving such text messages on social media despite the sender being someone close including family members and friends.
"Contact the respective individual to clarify about the message as fraudsters posing as friends and family are using various tricks to dupe the innocent. Always be on the alert," he said.
Wazir said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides a maximum jail term of 10 years and whipping, and a fine if convicted.