Teacher loses RM325,000 in elaborate scam involving fake AMLA and police officers

A FEMALE teacher has been defrauded of RM325,000 after being targeted by a group of fraudsters posing as officers from Malaysia’s Anti-Money Laundering Investigation Team (AMLA) and the police, according to Pahang police authorities.

Pahang Police Chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman today revealed that the 38-year-old victim first received a phone call from a suspect claiming to be an AMLA officer on 25 September last year.

The caller then connected her to another individual pretending to be a police officer.

The fraudsters alleged that several bank accounts had been opened in the teacher’s name in Johor, and that she was implicated in an ongoing money-laundering investigation.

Instructed to assist with the “investigation,” the victim was told to transfer funds as a form of security deposit to several bank accounts provided by the scammers.

“Under the guise of this fake investigation, the victim was directed to transfer money to a number of bank accounts,” Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said.

“She complied, making 21 transactions, including both cash and bank transfers, to five separate accounts between 29 September and 4 November last year, amounting to a total of RM325,000.”

Investigations revealed that the victim’s funds came from personal savings and a bank loan.

She only became aware she had been deceived when attempts to contact the suspects failed, their phone numbers were blocked, and the money was not returned as promised.

“The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code,” he added.

Yahaya cautioned the public against panicking when receiving calls from unknown individuals, particularly those claiming to represent law enforcement agencies or financial institutions.

He advised that any suspicious calls be verified directly with the police or the relevant institution.

Members of the public are also reminded to check account numbers through the official portal at [https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/](https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/) before conducting any transactions to avoid falling victim to similar scams. - January 25, 2026