MUKAH: A 22-year-old Chinese national working as an accountant has fallen victim to a phone scam, losing RM980,000 from her company.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said that the scam began when the victim received a call from an unknown number.
“The call was transferred to a male suspect who impersonated a representative from the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia.
“The suspect informed the victim of supposed issues with her passport that could affect her ability to enter and exit Malaysia,” said Mancha
The suspect then began questioning the victim about her job and workplace address, alleging that her company was involved in money laundering and that employees were suspected of criminal behaviour. To verify these claims, the suspect instructed the victim to transfer company funds for investigation purposes.
“The suspect warned that if the victim did not promptly transfer the funds, the company’s account would be frozen,” Mancha added.
In a state of panic, the victim complied with the suspect’s demands, transferring money online through five transactions to two bank accounts controlled by the suspect in mid-May 2024.
The suspect promised to return the funds by the end of May 2024. However, no money had been returned by the time the report was filed.
The suspect also instructed the victim to delete all phone numbers used during their communication.
Police are currently investigating the incident and have urged the public to remain vigilant against such scams.
