KAPIT, Aug 29 — A 70-year-old woman from Kapit has been left devastated after being conned of RM50,000 by two men who falsely claimed to be offering welfare assistance. The heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder to the public, especially the elderly, to remain vigilant against scams and fraudsters.
The Deceptive Approach: How the Scam Unfolded
The Encounter with the Suspects
Kapit District Police Chief DSP Rohana Nanu detailed the incident that took place yesterday, where the victim, a senior citizen, was approached by two unknown men. These men presented themselves as representatives from the Social Welfare Department, claiming they were there to assist her with financial aid.
“They offered to help the victim secure welfare assistance but instructed her to first withdraw all her savings from her bank account. Additionally, they asked her to hand over her jewelry, which they claimed was a necessary step to facilitate the approval of her aid application,” Rohana explained.
The suspects assured the woman that both her money and jewelry would be returned to her once the welfare assistance was approved. Trusting the men and believing in their sincerity, the elderly woman followed their instructions, hoping to receive the promised aid.
Realization of the Fraud: A Painful Discovery
Missing Suspects and Financial Loss
After complying with all the instructions given by the suspects, the woman soon realized that she had been scammed when she was unable to locate the men afterward. Her total loss, including both her withdrawn savings and the jewelry handed over to the suspects, amounted to a staggering RM50,000.
DSP Rohana confirmed that the police have launched an investigation into the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. The authorities are working tirelessly to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Police Caution: A Call for Vigilance
Protecting the Elderly from Scams
Rohana took the opportunity to advise the public, particularly the elderly, to be cautious of individuals offering unsolicited assistance. She emphasized that genuine welfare aid applications should be made directly at the Social Welfare Department’s office, and any offers made by strangers should be met with skepticism.
“It is a reminder to not be easily fooled by offers of welfare assistance from unknown individuals. Always ensure that you make a formal application for such assistance at the nearest Social Welfare Department office,” she said.
Community Reaction: Support and Outcry
A Wake-Up Call for Kapit Residents
The news of the scam has sparked concern among Kapit residents, with many expressing their sympathy for the elderly victim. Community leaders have called for increased awareness programs to educate the public, especially the senior population, on how to identify and avoid scams.
Local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have also stepped forward to offer support to the victim, emphasizing the need for collective action to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Steps to Safeguard Against Fraud
Essential Tips for the Public
To help prevent similar scams, here are some essential tips for the public:
- Verify Identities: Always ask for identification or credentials from anyone claiming to be from a government agency or organization.
- Check with Authorities: Confirm the legitimacy of any offer of assistance by directly contacting the relevant department or agency.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Never share personal information, bank details, or valuables with strangers or anyone whose identity you cannot verify.
- Report Suspicious Activities: Immediately report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station.
The Need for Greater Awareness
Protecting Our Vulnerable Populations
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder that scammers are becoming increasingly creative in their attempts to deceive the public. There is a need for continuous community education, especially targeting the elderly, to raise awareness about such scams.
The local authorities are working closely with various stakeholders to create and implement programs that aim to educate and protect the public from falling prey to such fraudulent activities.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale
As investigations continue, the case of the 70-year-old woman from Kapit stands as a cautionary tale to others. It underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness in protecting oneself and the community from similar fraudulent schemes. The authorities urge everyone to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to help combat fraud and safeguard the wellbeing of all citizens.