SCAMMERS keep thinking up new tactics to deceive potential victims and now appear to have taken their brazen ways up a notch.
The telephone or Macau scam, in which perpetrators impersonate law enforcement officers and accuse their targets of criminal activity, is well documented.
However, recently, people have reported receiving calls from a district police hotline claiming they have committed traffic violations, among other offences.
Has this really happened?
VERDICT:
TRUE
Port Dickson OCPD Supt Maslan Udin said police have learnt that scammers spoofed the district's 017-600 1411 hotline number to try and cheat potential victims.
He reminded the public that this number will never be used to call them.
"We would like to inform the public that our hotline number has been abused by irresponsible parties to scam the public regarding traffic offences and other cases.
"I wish to state that the hotline number is only used for official reasons. It will not be used to call the public," he said in a statement Tuesday (Jan 7).
He said police viewed the matter seriously and have begun an investigation.
Supt Maslan said police would also never ask the public for personal financial information or banking details.
As such, he reminded people not to reveal such details to unknown parties.
"Do not be fooled by fake calls related to criminal cases, traffic summonses or other offences from this number.
"Exercise caution and not let yourselves be deceived by callers using threats or psychological pressure," he said.
He advised anyone receiving suspicious calls to verify the claims by contacting the relevant agency or department, or the National Scam Response Centre at 997.
