KUCHING: Padawan District Police Headquarters (IPD) Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) recorded 81 cases of Macau scam from Jan 1 until May 27, involving losses of about RM15 million.
In a press statement issued today, contributing to the increase in crime reports were fraud cases such as Macau scam, as well as online purchasing and loan scams — and most of the victims were women between the ages of 25 and 65.
The cases were investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
The modus operandi of the syndicates was to make an offer through social networks such as WhatsApp or Facebook to help save the victims from Court action involving goods or loans.
The suspects then request the victims to pay by cash, make a bank transfer through an automated teller machine (ATM) or an online transfer before they disappear.
Padawan district police chief Supt Aidil Bolhassan advised the public to be aware of the cyber criminals’ modus operandi and not to panic when it comes to phone calls from impersonators.
“Call the nearest police station immediately for assistance.
“More importantly, do not fall for it easily. Be alert and immediately turn off the line to avoid being victimised by fraudsters,” he said.
