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In a recent incident, a former public university professor and an accountant have become victims of an online syndicate, collectively facing losses amounting to RM6.47 million earlier this month. Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan revealed that both cases have prompted investigations under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
The first case involves a 61-year-old professor who received a call from an individual claiming to be an officer from the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC). The imposter alleged the professor's involvement in illegal gambling and money laundering, leading her to place two bank cards by the roadside as instructed. Subsequently, 262 unauthorized transactions were conducted using the cards, resulting in a loss of RM1.43 million from the victim's bank accounts.
The second case centers around a 55-year-old accountant who suffered losses totalling RM5.04 million through a cryptocurrency investment scheme. In this scenario, the victim befriended an individual named 'Willian' on WhatsApp, who promised substantial profits in a short period through the investment scheme. Falling for the allure of high returns, the victim engaged in 143 transactions, transferring funds into an e-wallet account. However, once the transactions were completed, the account became inaccessible, and the suspect vanished.
Hussein cautioned the public against entertaining calls from unknown individuals, emphasizing that neither the police nor government departments conduct investigations related to individuals' bank accounts online. He stressed the importance of safeguarding personal banking details and automatic teller machine (ATM) information, advising against disclosing such information to strangers.
Regarding cryptocurrency investments, Hussein urged individuals to exercise caution and avoid succumbing to advertisements promising extraordinary returns through social media platforms. He emphasized the necessity of investing only in platforms registered with Bank Negara Malaysia to ensure legitimacy and security.
This unfortunate incident underscores the prevalence of online scams and the importance of public awareness in safeguarding personal and financial information. As technology continues to advance, individuals must remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures to protect themselves from falling victim to various forms of cybercrime. The police investigation aims to uncover the perpetrators behind these scams and serve as a reminder for the public to exercise caution and due diligence in their online interactions.
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