SIBU: A businessman lost RM20,834.80 after being duped by a non-existent money lending company advertised on social media.
District police chief ACP Stanley Jonathan Ringgit said on Aug 10, the 52-year-old victim came across a Facebook advertisement by the ‘company’ which offered loans.
“The victim, who was interested in the offer, left his phone number on the advertisement.
“Shortly after, the victim received a phone call via WhatsApp from a woman named ‘Karen’, an agent from the company that offered a RM100,000 loan.
“Without any doubts or suspicions, the victim agreed to the loan,” he said in a statement.
He added that the victim was required to submit personal details such as his identity card number, bank statements, company statements, and business license on Aug 13 as conditions for the application.
Last Friday, the victim was informed by ‘Karen’ that his loan had been approved but he needed to clear some payments.
On the same day, the victim made five online transactions totalling up to RM20,834.80.
Not long after that, the victim received a WhatsApp message from the alleged company which told him that his loan of RM56,852.50 would be credited to his bank account.
Stanley added that the victim was then asked to make another payment of RM11,370.50 to activate the transaction code.
Realising that he was being scammed, the victim proceeded to lodge a police report.
The case will be investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for fraudulent offenses.
