(Kuching, 17th) A 49-year-old local man fell victim to a scammer impersonating a WhatsApp friend, resulting in a loss of RM104,310.
Kuching Police District Chief Superintendent Alexson Naga Chabu stated in a press release that on August 13th, the victim received a message from a friend, who asked for assistance in temporarily covering the payment for some goods.
Believing it to be true, between August 13th and 15th, the victim transferred a total of RM104,310 in four separate transactions to three different bank accounts.
However, on August 15th, the victim was informed by his friend that their WhatsApp account was suspected to have been hacked, and the friend denied ever asking the victim to make any payments on their behalf.
He said that police have launched an investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property).
"If convicted, offenders can be sentenced to 1 to 10 years in jail, whipping, and fines."
Police urge the public not to panic, to hang up immediately when receiving suspicious calls, and to avoid disclosing personal or bank information to unknown callers.
The police also urge the public to verify before making payments to third parties, and suspicious bank accounts or phone numbers can be checked through the Royal Malaysia Police "Semak Mule" website.
For any inquiries or complaints, the public may contact the Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department hotline at 011-62890089, or email kjsjkswk@rmp.gov.my.
The public can also contact the National Scam Response Center (NSRC) at 997, which provides 24-hour service.
Believing it to be true, between August 13th and 15th, the victim transferred a total of RM104,310 in four separate transactions to three different bank accounts.
However, on August 15th, the victim was informed by his friend that their WhatsApp account was suspected to have been hacked, and the friend denied ever asking the victim to make any payments on their behalf.
He said that police have launched an investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property).
"If convicted, offenders can be sentenced to 1 to 10 years in jail, whipping, and fines."
Police urge the public not to panic, to hang up immediately when receiving suspicious calls, and to avoid disclosing personal or bank information to unknown callers.
The police also urge the public to verify before making payments to third parties, and suspicious bank accounts or phone numbers can be checked through the Royal Malaysia Police "Semak Mule" website.
For any inquiries or complaints, the public may contact the Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department hotline at 011-62890089, or email kjsjkswk@rmp.gov.my.
The public can also contact the National Scam Response Center (NSRC) at 997, which provides 24-hour service.