JOHOR BARU: An engineering company proprietor lost RM170,000 in savings after falling victim to scammers impersonating police officers and bankers last month.
The 48-year-old victim received a call from a 'bank officer' on Aug 10, claiming there were irregularities in his bank account and that it had been flagged for possible involvement in money laundering.
The call was then transferred to a 'police investigating officer', who informed him that legal action was to be taken against him. However, the scammer assured the victim that he could avoid legal action by transferring his money into a provided bank account. The victim was told the funds would be returned once the investigation was completed.
Following these instructions, the victim transferred RM170,000 into seven different bank accounts. He only realised he had been scammed when he was unable to reach the scammers for an update on the investigation.
District police chief Superintendent Tan Seng Lee confirmed that the victim lodged a police report on Tuesday (Sept 17).
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Earlier, the New Straits Times reported that no legitimate government agency would pass the phone among officers to explain a crime to suspected individuals.
"Those receiving such calls should recognise them as scams. If someone has committed a crime like money laundering, they will be arrested immediately - there is no discussion or negotiation involved," said Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf.