Police have uncovered a new scam in which women who are “lonely” and career-driven are the targets.
This fraud syndicate gains their victims’ trust by befriending them through social media, resulting in victims losing thousands of Ringgit.
Photo via BERNAMA
According to Astro AWANI, Head of Kuala Lumpur Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK), ACP Mohd Mahidisham Ishak said a total of 115 investigation papers have been opened involving the fraud syndicate from January to August this year, involving RM1,641,359,96.
“The latest case involved three police reports and all the victims had met an individual through social media.
“The three victims in the case were single mothers whose virtual contacts had informed that they had sent packages from abroad and the victim was asked to pay a sum of money for the purpose of the cost of shipping the packages,” he said.
Mohd Mahidisham then said that the said packages were never received and the case involved a loss of RM31,500.
The case is now being investigated under section 420 of the Penal Code (Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property). The maximum punishment which can be awarded under this section is imprisonment for a term of seven years and a fine.
Photo via BERNAMA
He also advised the public to always be vigilant with new contacts through social media.
Ladies, please be careful! Parcel scams use different methods to get your money. You might receive an SMS, email or phone call about an undelivered package or item supposedly being held at a distribution centre.
The scam pretends to be from a parcel delivery service and attempts to make their email or website look legitimate by including your name and address.
Online shoppers in particular need to watch out for fake parcel delivery scams arriving in email or SMS inboxes.
Stay safe, guys!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
