Scams have become increasingly sophisticated, preying on the unsuspecting and the vulnerable. From phishing emails to phone calls from supposed officials, scammers use a variety of tactics to deceive and exploit their victims.
The consequences can be devastating, leaving individuals not only financially ruined but also emotionally scarred. One such heart-wrenching incident highlights the severity of these scams.
Teacher loses RM135K to fake police officer
In a recent case, a 25-year-old female teacher from Pahang was swindled out of RM135,150 by a syndicate posing as officers from the Digital Communications Department and the police.
The elaborate ruse involved multiple phone calls and the victim’s compliance under the threat of legal action, ultimately leading to significant financial loss.
How it happened
The ordeal began with a phone call, which was redirected to a second suspect masquerading as a police officer, claiming to conduct an investigation, reported Sinar Harian.
The supposed officer instructed the teacher to transfer money to a specified account under the guise of aiding the investigation.
She had to take a personal loan of RM128k
Fearing legal repercussions, the young teacher complied with the suspect’s demands. Within two weeks, she secured a personal loan of RM128,000 to meet the scammer’s requirements.
Additionally, she utilised her savings, making 11 transactions to six different bank accounts, culminating in the loss of RM135,150.
Her realisation came too late. She discovered the scam only after using an online application designed to check for fraud, leading her to file a police report at a station in Rompin.
Yahaya, the spokesperson for the case, urged the public to remain vigilant against such scams.
“We advise everyone to verify suspicious calls with the police or relevant agencies to avoid falling prey to these scams. It’s crucial to check account and phone numbers through the link https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my before making any transactions,” he stated.
