Panic over bogus audit call leaves woman RM108,520 poorer
TANGKAK: A 58-year-old woman became RM108,000 poorer after she was duped by scammers posing as officers from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the police.
The victim received a phone call on May 9 from an individual who claimed she was under investigation for her involvement in a non-existent investment and loan fraud scheme.
District police chief Superintendent Roslan Mohd Talib said the caller's convincing impersonation triggered panic, prompting the victim to comply with instructions to "cooperate" by transferring funds from her bank accounts for audit purposes.
"She was told her bank account was being investigated and needed to be audited.
"She was then instructed to transfer all her savings to two third-party accounts," he said in a statement today.
Roslan said the victim made 16 transactions amounting to RM108,520.
She lodged a police report yesterday after attempts to contact the bogus officers failed.
Roslan urged the public to remain vigilant and verify any suspicious calls claiming to be from enforcement or government agencies.
"Do not panic. Always cross-check through official sources before taking action. Scammers rely on fear and urgency to manipulate victims," he added.
He also encouraged the public to stay updated on scam tactics via the Commercial Crime Investigation Department's social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Those who believe they have been scammed are advised to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) via the 997 hotline to initiate prompt action to freeze fraudulent accounts.
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