Lecturer loses over half a million ringgit to phone scam syndicate

TANJUNG MALIM - A lecturer from Tanjung Malim has lost over half a million ringgit to a phone scam syndicate.

Muallim district police chief Superintendent Mohd Hasni Mohd Nasir stated that the 38-year-old victim received a call from a suspect posing as a delivery company.

"The suspect claimed that the victim had two packages containing five identity cards, five passports, and five other individuals' ATM cards.

"The line was then connected to the 'Perak State Contingent Police Headquarters' and the 'Bukit Aman Police Headquarters'.

"The suspect, posing as a police officer, alleged that the victim was involved in a money laundering and human trafficking syndicate," he said in a statement today.

The suspect also claimed that an arrest warrant had been issued against the victim.

"The victim was instructed to make money transfers for the purpose of verification whether she was involved in the syndicate or not.

"During the period from Aug 3 to last Saturday, the victim conducted a total of 25 money transfer transactions to 16 different accounts," he added.

According to Mohd Hasni, the victim realised that she had been deceived after being confronted by her husband about her change in behavior, frequently holding the phone and borrowing money to make payments to unknown individuals.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code and if convicted, the culprit could face up to 10 years in prison and whipping.

Mohd Hasni also urged the public to be aware of the modus operandi of phone scam syndicates and to be careful when receiving calls from unknown numbers.

He advised the public to verify the caller's identity before making any payments.