JOHOR BARU: A housewife lost RM400,000 to a phone scam syndicate after falling for a money laundering ploy, on March 6.
Johor Baru (North) police chief Assistant Commissioner Balveer Singh said the scam unfolded when the woman received a call from an individual claiming to be a delivery company representative.
The scammer claimed that her parcel, containing personal belongings, had been flagged by police due to a money laundering case.
Fearing the worst, she sought further clarification, and the call was transferred to the 'investigation police officer'.
However, another syndicate member who claimed to be a senior police officer accused her of being involved in money laundering and threatened to arrest her.
The members had her details including her address, which caused her to fall for the scam.
She caved in and pleaded with the imposter for leniency.
Balveer said the imposter instructed her to make four online transfers to multiple bank accounts.
The woman lodged a police report on Monday, when she discovered the telephone numbers were no longer in service and she realised that she was duped.
Balveer reminded the public not to fall victim to scammers, and always stay vigilant of the techniques and ploys used by scammers.
"A police officer will never force or ask you to transfer funds to bank accounts," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.