Threatened with arrest, housewife loses RM472,000 to scammers

KUALA TERENGGANU: A 46-year-old housewife here lost RM472,000 after falling victim to a phone scam syndicate.

District police chief Assistant Commissioner Azli Mohd Noor said the victim lodged a police report at 10.30am yesterday.

On Aug 5, the woman received a call from an individual identifying himself as "Mohd Farhan Jamil", claiming to be from the Communications Ministry.

The caller informed her that she was involved in spreading unauthorised information regarding investment shares, government assistance, and job opportunities.

"The individual then claimed her call was being transferred to the Kajang police headquarters, where she spoke to 'Sergeant Andi'.

"The suspect impersonating Sergeant Andi instructed the victim to read out her identity card number. After performing a 'check', he claimed she was involved in money laundering activities," Azli said.

The suspect also told her that an arrest warrant had been issued in her name.

The call was subsequently transferred to a deputy public prosecutor named Zaleha. To resolve the matter, Zaleha instructed the victim to transfer funds, promising the money would be returned upon completion of the investigation.

Fearing arrest, the victim made 21 transactions into three separate bank accounts between Aug 18 and Sept 19, amounting to RM472,000.

"After completing the payments, she was asked to transfer an additional RM80,000, but she refused. Realising she had been cheated, she lodged a police report," Azli added.

The funds involved were the victim's personal savings.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.