GEORGE TOWN: A housewife, in her 60s, ended up becoming RM15,000 poorer after falling victim to a Macau Scam syndicate yesterday.
The victim's ordeal started after she received a call from a woman, claiming to be from the post office. The woman told the victim she has a package with eight credit cards inside.
Seberang Prai Utara police chief Assistant Commissioner Noorzainy Mohd Noor said the call was then transferred to a so-called Seremban police headquarters, where the woman spoke to a "police corporal".
He said the officer told the victim that she was involved in illegal money laundering and drugs and that one of the suspects had been detained by police.
"The so-called 'corporal' then told the victim the case was pending investigation and had asked that she keep her silence on the matter since she too was a suspect.
"Shocked and scared, the victim followed the man's instruction by making several monetary transactions through the ATM machine at a nearby branch, into the bank account provided (by the officer). Altogether, she had made three transactions, amounting to RM15,000 into the bank account.
"The victim was told all her money was for investigation purposes and would be transferred to the national auditor," he said.
Later convinced that she had been duped, Noorzainy said the victim decided to lodge a police report.
The case is investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides for imprisonment for up to 10 years and whipping, and a fine, if found guilty.
Noorzainy reminded the public to be wary and not be fooled by such tricks applied by the Macau scam syndicates.
He also advised people against providing bank account, ATM card or credit card numbers to unknown individuals.