KEPALA BATAS: A 71-year-old retiree lost RM124,000 after he was duped into settling his so-called phone bill arrears.
North Seberang Prai OCPD Asst Comm Noorzainy Mohd Noor said the victim from Permatang Tinggi first received a phone call from a man informing him of his phone bill arrears on Nov 22.
“The victim who denied the matter was then connected to a ‘police sarjan’ and a ‘police inspector’ from the ‘Kuantan district headquarters in Pahang’.
“They informed the victim that he is wanted for involvement in money laundering and was asked to provide his bank account details for auditing and investigation purposes.
“The victim even complied to making transactions amounting to RM101,000 into four separate bank accounts, supposedly for ‘legal fees’.
“After finding RM23,000 in his bank account missing and asked to make more transactions, the victim realised he was cheated and lodged a police report,” said ACP Noorzainy Monday (Dec 7).
He said police have since recorded statements from the victim and are in the midst of obtaining records from the telecommunications company before tracking down the suspects.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. – THE STAR