A retiree in Muar was cheated of nearly RM400,000 after falling victim to a sophisticated phone scam involving fake officials.
MUAR: A 67-year-old retiree lost RM399,832 to a phone scam syndicate that accused him of money laundering.
Muar police chief ACP Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said the victim received calls from individuals posing as an insurance agent, a police officer and a public prosecutor.
The victim was instructed to file an online police report and open a new bank account for a purported Bank Negara investigation.
He was told to transfer RM400,000 into the new account, which he did.
The syndicate later instructed further transfers for a ‘guarantee payment’ and ‘legal fees’.
The victim became suspicious and checked his new account, discovering his money was gone with a balance of only RM168.
“He has lodged a police report,” said Raiz in a statement.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Raiz advised those familiar with online fraud to warn their family members about such scams.
