Private firm employee loses RM53,000 to syndicate

KEPALA BATAS – A 40-year-old private firm employee lost RM53,000 to an individual impersonating an Inland Revenue Board (IRB) officer.  
 
Seberang Perai Utara district police chief Noorzainy Md Noor said the victim, who lodged a report on September 14, said the suspect, who claimed to be from the IRB, had told the victim that a company registered under his name had outstanding tax arrears of RM32,800.
 
Noorzainy said the victim reported that the man, suspected of being part of a scam syndicate, then transferred the call, allegedly to a police officer at the Melaka police headquarters. The “officer” then told the victim that someone had used the victim’s name and company details.
 
The suspect then asked the victim to settle the unpaid monies to enable police investigations to continue.
 
“The victim made payments to three separate bank accounts to settle the problem.”
 
The victim only became suspicious later, then lodged the police report.
 
Noorzainy advised the public not to fall prey to such syndicates and advised them to seek help from family members and friends before making any decisions in relation to money transfers into  strangers’ bank accounts.
 
The case is being investigated under Section 420 for cheating. – The Vibes, September 27, 2021