A 65-YEAR-old retired factory worker was duped out of almost RM700,000 in a phone scam involving fraudsters impersonating police officers and bank representatives, according to the Penang Police Chief, Datuk Hamzah Ahmad.
The victim reported the incident on 23 June after receiving a call from a man claiming to be a bank official who alleged suspicious activity on a Platinum Master credit card registered in the victim’s name.
“The victim denied owning the credit card before the call was supposedly transferred to the Johor Police Station,” Hamzah explained in a statement on Tuesday.
He added that the victim then spoke to an individual posing as a police officer who accused him of involvement in money laundering activities.
“The suspect instructed the victim to transfer all his funds to a specified account for audit purposes, promising that the money would be returned after the investigation,” he said.
The victim was further threatened with an arrest warrant if he failed to comply.
“Fearing the consequences, the victim proceeded to make 27 online money transfers to three different bank accounts from 19 May to 5 June, totalling RM696,513.50,” Hamzah said.
The victim only realised he had been scammed after confiding in a friend and subsequently lodged a police report.
Hamzah urged the public to remain vigilant against suspicious calls and warned against sharing personal or banking information.
“Members of the public are advised to verify dubious phone numbers and bank accounts at the official portal semakmule.rmp.gov.my or report to the nearest police station immediately. Victims should contact their banks or call the National Scam Response Centre at 997 for urgent assistance,” he advised.
He also called on the community to play an active role in spreading awareness to help curb commercial crimes, especially online fraud. - June 24, 2025
