Pensioner loses RM201,000 after being duped by 'phone scam' syndicate

A 59-YEAR-old retired lecturer lost RM201,000 after being duped by a `phone scam’ syndicate posing as a police officer and deputy public prosecutor.

Pahang Police Chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said, based on reports yesterday, the woman received a call from an individual posing as an insurance company representative claiming that there was an insurance claim worth RM68,000 in February.

He said the call was then connected to several individuals claiming to be police officers and deputy public prosecutors who claimed the victim was involved in a money laundering case.

“The suspect then ordered the victim to open a new bank account before transferring money to the account supposedly given for investigation.

“For the period of April 9 to June 12, the victim made 10 transactions totaling RM201,000 before realizing that she had been cheated.

“Investigations found that the source of the money was from the victim’s savings and personal loans. This case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code,” he said in a statement today.

Following the case, Yahaya advised the public who received suspicious calls to immediately check with the police or relevant government agencies to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

He said the public is also reminded to check the account number received at the link https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/ first before making any transactions.

“The public who suspect they have been a victim of fraud are advised to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997,” he said. - November 3, 2025