KUALA TERENGGANU: Yet another person has fallen victim here to a Macau Scam syndicate, when a pensioner was cheated out of RM100,000, life-savings.
This after the 61-year-old fell victim to phone calls from the syndicate at 9am on Aug 24 at her home here at Padang Hiliran.
Kuala Terengganu district police chief, Assistant Commissioner Abd Rafar, said the scam took place when a suspect claiming to be Chief Officer of the Summons Unit informed the victim that she has a final warning in her name involving a impersonation case from the Kedah High Court.
"The individual informed that the company owned by the victim, operating for the past two years had an outstanding debt of almost RM200,000.
"The victim denied the matter before the call was forwarded to a police officer who introduced himself as 'Sergeant Anuar'. The police officer then revealed that the victim was involved in a money laundering case," he said.
Idris said the victim was also informed that her company was involved with the sale of illicit drugs, but she still had the opportunity to clear her name. The second suspect then said he would have to talk with his boss and a Bank Negara officer on the matter.
He said the call was then forwarded to another individual and various questions were posed to the victim, including details involving her bank account.
"The victim was then ordered to withdraw all her money from her bank account and deposit it into another bank account.
"The victim who panicked thinking that she was facing legal action followed instructions from the second suspect and when her call finally reached the Bank Negara officer she provided details of her bank account including her online password.
“Without thinking twice, she followed their instructions.
“Feeling uneasy, the following day, she checked her bank account and was surprised to find RM100,000 missing, Idris said adding that the victim then immediately lodged a police report on the matter.
"The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating," he said.