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A 44-YEAR-OLD marine biologist has lost RM500,000 to a phone scam syndicate after being tricked into believing he was under investigation for money laundering and currency forgery.
Perak police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said the victim, who works with a private company, lodged a police report at the Ipoh District Police Headquarters yesterday.
“Initial investigations revealed that on 14 May 2025, the victim received a phone call from an unknown number, claiming he was involved in counterfeiting and money laundering,” Noor Hisam said in a statement today.
The next day, the victim was contacted again, this time by an individual posing as a police officer from the Pahang State Police Headquarters, who showed the victim copies of his personal documents and later transferred the call to a supposed investigator at Bukit Aman.
“Convinced by the caller’s authority, the victim proceeded to transfer RM500,000 via online banking and automated teller machines (ATMs) into nine different bank accounts,” Noor Hisam added, noting that the funds consisted of the victim’s personal savings and contributions from family members.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and not to trust unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to represent police, the Inland Revenue Board, banks, courts, courier services, or others accusing them of crimes, debts, or suspicious parcels.
“If asked to transfer money into a so-called ‘safe account’ or to reveal banking information or OTP codes, do not panic or disclose any personal details. Hang up and verify directly with the relevant authority,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. - July 10, 2025
