KUCHING: Police found that government officials, private agency employees, students and housewives, have emerged as primary targets of scam operations in the city.
According to Kuching police chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah, the victims span a wide age range, from 19 to 70 years old.
He shared that in the first quarter of 2024, the district police headquarters (IPD) has opened a total of 49 investigation papers under Section 420 of the Penal Code, resulting in a collective loss of RM2,940,124.71.
“Their modus operandi involves online scam through phone calls and advertisements on social media such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WeChat and others.
“The victims were instructed by the suspects to give their banking information and transfer money into third-party accounts,” he said in a statement.
With the prosecution of 33 cases already underway in court, perpetrators could face the full force of Section 420 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment for a term of up to 10 years, caning, and fines.
Following the increase of scam cases in Kuching, Ahsmon advised the public to exercise caution and vigilance, and do not easily trust unknown phone calls and social media advertisements
For those seeking guidance or assistance, they can call the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 or go to the nearest police station or banking institution.
