Firm loses RM327,000 to scammer

KUCHING: Fraudsters are endlessly adaptable, constantly evolving their tactics to target unsuspecting victims.

In yet another tactic, a company here suffered losses to the tune of RM327,000 after falling victim to a scam involving an individual impersonating its director through WhatsApp.

The case involved a 26-year-old local woman employee who received a WhatsApp message on Oct 15 from an individual claiming to be her company director.

Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the sender instructed the woman to arrange an online transfer of company funds for an advance payment to renew a new contract.

“The woman subsequently informed the company’s accountant, and two fund transfers were made to different bank accounts as instructed.

“However, the accountant later reviewed the outgoing transactions and found the names of the recipients suspicious.

“The accountant then contacted the actual company director to verify the transactions, only to discover that the director had not issued the payment instructions. The company consequently suffered a total loss of RM327,000,” he said in a statement.

Alexson said the case was being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.

Upon conviction, the offence carries imprisonment of between one and 10 years, whipping and a possible fine.

He advised the public to remain vigilant and end suspicious calls immediately rather than panic or comply with questionable instructions.

He also reminded the public not to disclose personal or banking information to unknown callers and to verify payment requests before transferring money to third parties.

Those who encounter suspicious calls or messages should contact the nearest police station to seek verification or lodge a report.

The public can also check suspicious bank account numbers and telephone numbers through the Royal Malaysia Police’s official Semak Mule portal at https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my .