Fake cops cheat retiree of RM179,490 in money laundering scam

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 —A 73-year-old retiree lost RM179,490 after falling victim to a Macau scam involving fraudsters posing as police officers and accusing him of money laundering and drug trafficking.

Brickfields police chief ACP Hoo Chang Hook said the victim was initially contacted by two unidentified individuals claiming to be police officers, who instructed him to surrender his bank cards, cash and jewellery for investigation purposes.

He said the victim, who panicked, later agreed to meet the suspects at an apartment in Sri Petaling on Sept 8 to hand over the money and valuables as instructed.

“The total losses amounted to RM179,490, involving cash handed over, gold purchases and transfers to three third-party bank accounts,” he said when contacted today.

Hoo said the victim lodged a police report after realising he had been cheated.

Police were checking information with telecommunications companies and reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to assist investigations under Section 420 of the Penal Code, he added. — Bernama