KUCHING: Police are investigating an alleged foreign exchange scam that cost a local businessman RM100,000.
The victim, a man in his 30s employed as a manager at a private company, reported the incident after being deceived by an online fraudster.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said the scam began in late August 2024, when the victim connected with an unknown individual through social media.
The victim, who intended to exchange Malaysian ringgit for Chinese yuan, was persuaded to proceed with the transactions after building a rapport with the suspect via WhatsApp.
Over the following months, the victim transferred funds in stages to a bank account provided by the suspect.
By December 2024, the total amount sent had reached approximately RM100,000. However, the victim’s suspicions were aroused when the suspect abruptly became uncontactable after receiving the final transaction.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution when dealing with financial transactions online, particularly with unknown individuals, as cases of online scams continue to rise.
Investigations into the case are ongoing.
