Woman in Kuching Loses RM250,000 to Investment Scam
Victim Falls Prey to Elaborate Deception
Introduction to the Scam
KUCHING (Aug 1): In a distressing incident, a woman in her 40s from Kuching lost approximately RM250,000 after falling victim to an investment scam that transpired between early June and July this year. The Sarawak police commissioner, Dato Mancha Ata, revealed details of the scam in a statement issued today.
The Deceptive Friendship and Proposal
The victim’s ordeal began when she befriended an individual on WhatsApp who identified himself as Chin Hao @ Evan. According to Dato Mancha Ata, the victim developed a romantic relationship with the suspect, which led to a marriage proposal from him. This emotional manipulation played a crucial role in the victim’s subsequent financial decisions.
The Introduction of the Fraudulent App
In June, the suspect introduced the victim to a smartphone application named ‘J.P. Morgan’, which claimed to offer a five percent return on investment. Believing in the legitimacy of the app and the suspect’s intentions, the victim was persuaded to buy shares and transfer funds to the suspect’s bank account.
The Financial Losses
Enticed by the promised high returns, the victim made a staggering 23 transactions to eight different bank accounts, which cumulatively amounted to nearly RM250,000. Unfortunately, the reality of the scam dawned upon the victim when she did not receive any returns from her investments.
Police Warning and Public Advisory
Immediate Steps for Victims
Dato Mancha Ata advised individuals who suspect they are victims of various scams, including cyber scams, phone scams, love scams, e-commerce scams, or non-existent loans, to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre at 997. He emphasized the importance of quick action if any monetary transactions have been made to suspicious bank accounts or e-wallets.
Recommended Preventative Measures
In addition to reporting, the commissioner recommended downloading the Whoscall app, available on the Google Play Store for Android users and the Apple Store for iPhone users. This app can help filter incoming calls and identify potential scam calls.
Collaboration for Safety
Dato Mancha Ata highlighted the collaboration between the police’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department and the developers of Whoscall. This partnership aims to keep the app’s database updated with new suspicious phone numbers to enhance public safety.
Verification Tools
For additional precaution, the public can verify phone numbers and bank accounts via the Check Scammer CCID app or the website https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/ before proceeding with any financial transactions. This verification step can prevent similar scams from occurring.
Conclusion
Increased Vigilance Needed
This unfortunate incident underscores the need for increased vigilance and awareness among the public regarding investment opportunities and online relationships. Scammers often exploit emotional vulnerabilities and the promise of financial gain to lure victims into elaborate traps.
Stay Informed and Safe
By staying informed and utilizing the recommended tools and resources, individuals can protect themselves from falling prey to such scams. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement and technological solutions like Whoscall and Check Scammer CCID are crucial steps in combating and reducing the incidence of scams.