KUCHING: Scammers are using every trick in the book when it comes to conning gullible people out of their money.
In the latest scam, an elderly couple fell victim to a scam, losing RM170,000 to three individuals posing as potential renters of their farm land for a telecommunications tower .
The incident happened in mid-September when two men and a woman approached a farmer in his late 60s, at his farm along Mile 15, Kota Samarahan.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said the suspects had expressed interest in renting a portion of the farm for constructing a telecommunications tower.
However, the victim said he had to discuss the matter with his family before making a decision.
“Weeks later, towards the end of September, the three suspects revisited the victim’s farm to resume negotiations, eventually convincing the victim to agree to rent out his land.
“In early October, the suspects brought the farmer and his wife to Kuching city in a car, ostensibly for the purpose of making rental payments.
“However, their trust was exploited as they were persuaded to withdraw RM170,000 from their ASB accounts across various banks in Kuching, claiming it was a prerequisite for the rental agreement,” he said.
Mohd Azman said the cash was handed over to the suspects while they were still inside the vehicle.
The couple only realised that they had been cheated when they were abandoned by the suspects near a bank at Jalan Simpang Tiga in the city.
The police chief said the couple promptly reported the incident to the police.
This case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
In view of this, the public is urged to exercise caution when approached with attractive offers from unfamiliar individuals looking to rent land or property.
“It is crucial to verify the legitimacy of such proposals with the relevant authorities, particularly when they involve projects such as construction of telecommunications towers.
“They should also refrain from engaging with individuals unrelated to established telecommunication service companies and always seek guidance from family members, acquaintances, or bank officers if doubts arise before withdrawing substantial sums of money,” Mohd Azman said.
