IPOH: The police have arrested a 49-year-old man who allegedly cheated 38 senior citizens of their money between January and June this year.
Perak police chief Comm Datuk Azizi Mat Aris said the man was arrested at the Kota Setar police station in Kedah on July 2.
Comm Azizi said the suspect's modus operandi was to pose as an "officer" to help his victims, mainly aged between 50 and 80, to get e-Kasih aid.
"He would approach his victims near hospitals, banks, food courts, supermarkets, public markets and bus stations.
"He would then ask the victims to give him between RM300 and RM1,000 as processing fees for their applications to get the aid and to open bank accounts," he said in a statement on Tuesday (July 23).
"After getting the money from the victims, the suspect would then excuse himself, purportedly to make photocopies of their MyKads.
"He would ask the victims to wait at the respective locations while he flees with the money and identity cards," he added.
Comm Azizi said 38 investigation papers have been opened, with the losses suffered by the victims totalling about RM16,250.
"During the arrest, we also seized a mobile telephone and some clothing used by him when cheating the victims.
"A background check on the suspect found that he had 12 previous crime records under Section 420 of the Penal Code," he said.
Comm Azizi said the man is expected to be charged with 36 counts under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
"He is expected to be charged with 13 counts at the Ipoh magistrate's court on July 24, two counts at the Kuala Kangsar magistrate's court on July 25, 18 counts in Taiping on July 26, one in Manjung on Aug 5 and two in Hilir Perak on Aug 6," he added.
Comm Azizi advised people to always be cautious when being offered financial help from strangers who also ask for processing money.
"Please check with the relevant agencies to be sure.
"The risk of being cheated when not paying at a payment counter is high," he said.
"The people can also contact the nearest police station or make inquiries via the police commercial crime infoline on WhatsApp at 013-211 1222," he added.
