KUCHING: A local woman lost RM145,247 after falling for a bogus offer to secure subcontracting work for a purported project in Sabah.
The 59-year-old was introduced to the suspect by an acquaintance in late December last year.
The suspect allegedly claimed to have connections and authority to arrange work for a construction and electrical wiring company in Sabah, and told the victim that the company had been awarded a project by Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB).
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the suspect then offered the project to the victim’s company as a subcontractor for work in Ranau, Sabah.
“To make the offer appear legitimate, the suspect allegedly requested several payments, citing reasons including ‘locking fees’, equipment rental, workers’ salaries, mobilisation and site expenses.
“Believing the offer was genuine, the woman made five payments between Jan 2 and Jan 14 this year into four different bank accounts, totalling RM145,247,” he said.
Realising that she had been conned, she lodged a report with the Kuching Commercial Crime Investigation Division (CCID) on Friday (Aug 8).
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, which carries a jail term of between one and 10 years, whipping and a fine upon conviction.
Alexson advised the public not to easily trust job offers promising lucrative returns and to check suspicious bank accounts or phone numbers through the Semak Mule portal.
Those who realise they have been scammed are advised to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) hotline at 997 within 24 hours.
He added that suspicious activities can also be reported to Sarawak CCID via its hotline or WhatsApp at 011-62890089, or by email at kjsjkswk@rmp.gov.my.
