A SCHOOLTEACHER in Terengganu lost RM446,200 after falling victim to a sophisticated phone scam involving individuals posing as police and judicial officers, police confirmed on Wednesday.
The 52-year-old man lodged a report at the Kuala Terengganu District Police Station around 3.40pm on Tuesday after realising he had been conned.
According to Kuala Terengganu District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Azli Mohd Noor, the scam began on 28 June, when the victim received a phone call from someone claiming to represent an insurance company, alleging he had filed a RM12,000 medical claim.
"The call was later redirected to another individual who claimed to be a police officer and accused the victim of involvement in a money laundering case linked to a suspect named Mike Paul," said Azli.
The caller then instructed the teacher to liaise with two others — purportedly ‘Puan Faridah’ and ‘Tuan Beh’, who were introduced as senior police and judicial officers.
Azli said the scammers presented falsified documents bearing official seals from the Sabah Judiciary and alleged that a warrant of arrest and ongoing court investigation were in place against the victim.
“The victim was pressured into paying legal and bail fees to avoid arrest,” he said, adding that the man was warned not to disclose the situation to anyone, under the guise of the Official Secrets Act.
Frightened by the threats, the victim took out personal loans, maxed out credit cards, and even borrowed money from family members. Between 26 July and 19 October, he made 23 separate fund transfers into 16 different bank accounts.
Only after the so-called officers became unreachable and the documents were revealed to be forged did the victim realise he had been defrauded.
“The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating,” Azli said, adding that the victim’s losses comprised personal savings, borrowed funds and credit-based financing. - October 22, 2025
