Pretending to be your friend from an unknown number, claiming it to be their new number (probably because they lost their phone) to try and scam people is not something new…
Maybe younger people are more aware about this type of scams, but what about our elders?
Photo via Altgist
When his close friend sent a message on Facebook saying that he needed some help with money and needed to borrow cash, a senior citizen did not hesitate and immediately went to the bank to transfer RM1,600.
After transferring the money, the 62-year-old retiree got another message from his “friend” saying that he needed more money. But not falling into the scammer’s trick for the second time, the man contacted his friend, only to learn that the friend had never sent him any messages on Facebook.
According to the New Straits Times, Pahang Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Superintendent Mohd Wazir Mohd Yusof said in the incident on June 13th, the victim received a message on Facebook from his “friend”.
“The friend wanted to borrow RM1,600 and instead of verifying with his friend, the man went straight to the nearest bank to transfer the cash. He sent the receipt as requested to the friend through Facebook Messenger.
“Minutes later, when the friend sent another message on Facebook to transfer RM600 more, the victim felt something was wrong and immediately contacted his friend. The friend told the victim that he never sent any messages on Facebook requesting to borrow cash from anyone,” he said, adding that the victim had lodged a police report.
Photo via Harian Metro
In the statement, Wazir also reminded the public to not fall for these scams and to exercise caution when receiving such text messages on social media, even from someone close including friends and family members.
The case is now being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides a maximum jail term of 10 years and whipping, and a fine if convicted.
Be vigilant of your surroundings, and please check on your parents, aunties or uncles and make sure that they are aware of these scams!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
