Gold Citizen loses RM1.44 million on the phone scam

KUCHING, 4 Nov: A 69-year-old golden citizen suffered a loss of RM1,443,355 after being framed by a phone fraud syndicate disguised as a prosecutor from Putrajaya.

Kuching District Police Chief, ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said that on August 25, the victim who was at home received a WhatsApp call from an unknown number who introduced himself as a public prosecutor from Putrajaya.

"The suspect claims the victim has a warrant and his bank account will be frozen following allegations of money laundering.

"The victim was subsequently ordered to open an Alliance Bank account and register the phone number of the suspect before transferring RM1.41 million to the accounts concerned purportedly for further investigation purposes", he said in a statement today.

He said the next suspect transferred money amounting to RM1,353,355 through 26 transactions to his bank account.

"The victim was also ordered to make an additional payment of RM90,000 to the suspect's bank account.

"The victim realised he was cheated after suffering a total loss of RM1,443,355", she said.

Cases are being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.