A community service officer from a non-governmental organization in Taiping fell victim to a phone scam, losing RM177,700 on June 12. Despite numerous police warnings about such schemes, which often use fear to manipulate victims, the scam was successful.
Perak police chief Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri reported that the victim, a 72-year-old man, received a call from an unknown number at 2:30 PM on that day. The initial caller attempted to alarm the victim by claiming his account was involved in illegal money laundering activities and instructed him to visit the Ipoh district police headquarters (IPD).
The elderly man, who denied any involvement in illegal activities, told the caller he could not comply with the request. Subsequently, the victim was transferred to another line, supposedly connected to the police IPD, where a second caller requested his ATM card number and PIN for verification purposes.
The second caller then directed the victim to provide a One-Time Password (OTP), assuring him that money would be temporarily transferred out of his account for the police investigation but would be returned afterwards. In a state of panic and fear, the victim complied.
The scam came to light when the victim visited his bank in Taiping the following day to check his account. He discovered five suspicious transactions totalling RM177,700, transferred to unknown recipients and different bank accounts. Realizing he had been deceived, the victim reported the incident to the police.
Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri stated that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which deals with cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property. He urged the public to remain vigilant against phone fraud syndicates, which have become increasingly common.
This incident highlights the persistence and evolving tactics of phone scammers. Despite continuous efforts by law enforcement to educate the public and prevent such crimes, scammers continue to find new victims, often targeting vulnerable individuals through sophisticated means of deception. The psychological manipulation used in these scams can be highly effective, particularly when victims are made to feel fear or urgency.
The police chief emphasized the importance of never sharing personal information, such as ATM card details or OTPs, over the phone. He also advised the public to verify the identity of callers, especially when they claim to be from law enforcement or financial institutions. By staying informed and cautious, individuals can better protect themselves from falling prey to such fraudulent schemes.
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