ALOR STAR: The amount of losses incurred from Macau scam cases reported in Kedah jumped by almost 10-fold this year, from RM365,000 to RM3.2 million.
State Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Superintendent Chan Teck Paing said the cases were reported between January to November.
He said throughout the period, Kedah police have arrested 57 members of the syndicate which executed their scams through phone calls.
“There is also a significant jump in the number of victims, from 18 people last year to 114 victims this year.
“This explains why the amount of losses increased from RM365,221 during the corresponding period last year to RM3.2 million this year,” he said today.
Chan added that the profile of victims have since expanded, from previously comprising only the elderly, to now including those from other age groups.
“The Macau scam sees these tricksters either impersonating bank officers, policemen or officers of the court, using an online spoofing technique,” he said.
Most of the syndicates operate abroad but they are also hiring Malaysians to execute the scam from abroad.
Chan said the suspected masterminds are still at large and police are intensifying efforts to trace them.
Translated from Harian Metro