MIRI: An administrative clerk lost RM19,500 after being cheated by a man she befriended through Instagram last month.
Sarawak Commercial Criminal Investigation Department head Supt Mustafa Kamal Gani Abdullah, in a statement today, said the victim, aged 28, claimed that the man, by the name of Alex and a foreigner, told her that he had sent her a parcel containing a handbag, jewellery and money.
He said that on Jan 10, the victim claimed she received a WhatsApp message from a woman, by the name of Lenna, who claimed to be from the Kuala Lumpur Customs and Excise Department, asking for her to make payment for the postage and insurance on the parcel.
Following which, the victim made a total payment of RM19,500 in three transactions to two accounts from Jan 24 and Feb 18 this,” he said, adding that after transferring the money, the victim was asked to make further payment of RM53,100.
Mustafa Kamal said the clerk lodged a police report yesterday after realising that she was cheated when she still did not receive the parcel.
He cautioned the public against the “parcel scam” and “Macau scam” and for them to be wary of people they met on social media.
Members of the public can contact the Sarawak CCID or any nearby police stations for advice if they have any doubts regarding such matters.
They can also visit the official portal of the Royal Malaysia Police and the Commercial Crime Investigation Department for latest information on financial fraud. – Bernama
