Retired Woman Loses RM1.4 Million to Phone Scam

By Subaashinee Kupusamy,

17 SEPTEMBER: A retired female bank officer lost over RM1.4 million after being deceived by an online syndicate posing as officials from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the police.

According to Perak Police Chief Datuk Azizi Mat Aris, the 65-year-old victim received a call on August 11 from a woman claiming to be an MCMC officer. The victim was told that her bank card was involved in illegal money laundering activities. The call was then transferred to individuals pretending to be police officers from the Terengganu Police Headquarters.

The scammers instructed the victim to open three new bank accounts with Hong Leong Bank, Affin Bank, and Ambank, allegedly for an investigation. They also told her to place her bank cards in an envelope and leave them at a designated location so the syndicate could “collect” them for investigation purposes, with a promise to return the money afterward.

Between August 23 and September 11, the victim received withdrawal alerts totalling RM1,440,969.83. Realizing she had been scammed, she lodged a police report.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code. The public is urged to remain calm when contacted by supposed authorities and verify with the National Scam Response Center (NSRC) at 997 before transferring any money as stated in Buletin TV3.