KUANTAN: A religious teacher who did not even own any Touch 'n Go (TnG) cards lost RM76,170 of her savings after being tricked by fraudsters.
The 55-year-old victim from Temerloh, who was threatened with arrest for failing to settle RM11,806 in TnG arrears, duly provided her bank details to the scammer, who impersonated a police officer.
Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said the victim received a phone call from the suspect who was introduced as the TnG call centre officer from Kuala Lumpur on Feb 13.
"The caller told the teacher that she had TnG outstanding bills for six months amounting RM11,806. The victim denied using or owning such a card. The call was transferred to another individual who claimed to be a police officer.
"He told the victim that records showed that she was involved in drugs and money laundering. He told the victim that she could appeal to postpone her arrest warrant but had to provide some banking details," he said.
Ramli said the victim was instructed to download a link on her phone and key in all her banking information including her 14-digit bank card number.
He said after providing the details, the victim realised five transactions had been performed using her account and RM76,170 of her savings missing.
In a separate incident, a 34-year-old tour agent lost RM52,443 after taking up a part-time job offer which promised him RM100 commission upon completing each task.
Ramli said the incident unfolded on Feb 11, when the victim from Jerantut received a WhatsApp message about the job offer and when he agreed, the suspect told him to join a Telegram group.
"The victim initially made four transactions into an account provided by the suspect before he was coaxed to make another five transactions with promises of returns of up to 40 per cent. The victim lost a total of RM52,443," Ramli said.
He said both the cases were investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides for a maximum jail term of 10 years and whipping, and a fine if convicted.