(Miri, 19th) Miri District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Lee Bing Qiang stated in a release that on July 18, the police Commercial Crime Investigation Unit received a report involving a scam where someone impersonated a lawyer.
He said the victim is a 27-year-old local woman from Miri, Sarawak. She had previously come into contact with a self-proclaimed "lawyer" from Hong Kong through social media. This person claimed to be able to help her recover money she had been scammed out of when buying gold jewelry on social media.
To obtain this service, the victim followed the suspect's instructions and, between June 23 and July 18, 2026, made 12 payments using cryptocurrency, ultimately losing a total of RM622,792.65.
When the victim tried to contact this so-called "lawyer" again, she discovered the phone number had been blocked. Only then did she realize she had been scammed and proceeded to file a police report.
The police are currently investigating the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code (Fraud). Those convicted face imprisonment of not less than one year and up to ten years, along with possible whipping and fines.
The police urge the public to remain vigilant and be wary of scammers impersonating lawyers who claim to help recover losses from previous scams. Do not trust such promises or pay any so-called legal fees, taxes, or handling charges. Before conducting any transactions, be sure to verify the authenticity of the individual or law firm involved.
If you receive a suspicious offer, immediately cease contact and report it to the police. If you have just made a fund transfer linked to a scam, you can also call the National Scam Response Center (NSRC) hotline at 997 for assistance.
In addition, the public can use "Check Scammers CCID" or visit http://semakmule.rmp.gov.my to check suspicious phone numbers and bank accounts to reduce the risk of being scammed. Police also advise the public to follow the Commercial Crime Investigation Department's official information platforms to stay updated on the latest scam tactics.
To obtain this service, the victim followed the suspect's instructions and, between June 23 and July 18, 2026, made 12 payments using cryptocurrency, ultimately losing a total of RM622,792.65.
When the victim tried to contact this so-called "lawyer" again, she discovered the phone number had been blocked. Only then did she realize she had been scammed and proceeded to file a police report.
The police are currently investigating the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code (Fraud). Those convicted face imprisonment of not less than one year and up to ten years, along with possible whipping and fines.
The police urge the public to remain vigilant and be wary of scammers impersonating lawyers who claim to help recover losses from previous scams. Do not trust such promises or pay any so-called legal fees, taxes, or handling charges. Before conducting any transactions, be sure to verify the authenticity of the individual or law firm involved.
If you receive a suspicious offer, immediately cease contact and report it to the police. If you have just made a fund transfer linked to a scam, you can also call the National Scam Response Center (NSRC) hotline at 997 for assistance.
In addition, the public can use "Check Scammers CCID" or visit http://semakmule.rmp.gov.my to check suspicious phone numbers and bank accounts to reduce the risk of being scammed. Police also advise the public to follow the Commercial Crime Investigation Department's official information platforms to stay updated on the latest scam tactics.