IPOH: A 36-year-old businessman in Taiping lost over RM400,000 after falling victim to a phone scam, when an individual called him over the phone claiming to be a police officer.
Perak police chief Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said police received a report on Saturday (March 30) at 4.07pm from the victim stating that he lost RM418,200.
He said the victim who was inside a bank in Taiping at about 10.30am on Feb 27 received a phone call from an individual who introduced himself as “Insp Hazizi”, and claimed that the victim had committed a crime.
“The suspect sent a warrant of arrest under the name of the victim on his WhatsApp.
“The suspect also told the victim that he (suspect) had checked with Bank Negara, and found out that the victim had a fixed deposit account in a bank.
“The victim was instructed to convert the fixed deposit into a normal account,” he said in a statement on Sunday (March 31).
Comm Mohd Yusri said the victim was unaware as to how the suspect knew about his fixed deposit account, as he had not mentioned anything about that account.
He said the suspect then told the victim that if he wanted to escape from any legal action, he (victim) must make payments as instructed accordingly.
“The victim, who had at that point of time was already scared and panicking, conducted seven transactions to six different bank accounts amounting to RM418,200 between Feb 27 and March 26.
“When the victim realised that the suspect was impersonating a police officer, he lodged a police report,” he added.
The case, he said, is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Comm Mohd Yusri said the public is advised not to be easily fooled by calls made from unknown numbers.
“Please do not panic when receiving calls from individuals claiming to be from any enforcement agencies, and immediately end the call.
“The police will not call any individuals to scare them that they will be arrested.
“Do not at any time transfer money into bank accounts of unknown individuals,” he added.
He said all matters in relation to government agencies are carried out at the respective departments, and not via phone calls.
“If in doubt, check with the relevant agency, and do not call the number provided by the said individual.
“Lastly, never ever give your bank account number, and any banking details to unknown individuals,” he added.
For more information, contact the National Scam Response Centre on 997.
