Elderly woman loses RM706,000 in phone scam impersonating Police, BNM officials

A 75-YEAR-OLD woman fell victim to a telephone scam in August, losing RM706,000 after being deceived by fraudsters posing as police officers and officials from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

Kuching District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Alexson Naga Chabu, said the victim was contacted on 28 August at her home by a man who identified himself as a sergeant, claiming she was linked to criminal activity.

“The suspect alleged that the victim’s identity card had records of fraud and illicit funds before the call was transferred to another individual,” he explained.

The victim was subsequently instructed via WhatsApp to transfer large sums of money into two corporate accounts, supposedly as part of a BNM investigation, Alexson added.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. - November 20, 2025