PETALING JAYA, Nov 21 — Despite countless public awareness warnings against falling victim to Macau scams, many Malaysians are still being duped of millions by such fraudsters.
In Selangor alone this year, there have been 228 reports lodged by victims who suffered losses amounting to RM7.2 million.
Last year, the state recorded 213 cases involving RM17.34 million in losses.
Selangor police chief Commissioner Datuk Mazlan Mansor said he found it hard to believe people were still falling for such scams despite widespread public awareness efforts.
He said police had warned the public to avoid such schemes.
“Some of them are so gullible to believe the scammers. We are talking about millions of ringgit lost ... their retirement reserves and life savings all gone,” he said.
Mazlan advised the public to be extra cautious when answering suspicious phone calls. They should cross-check with their bank or the police before depositing cash.
“Sometimes they claim to be police officers or bank staff telling them to pay a certain amount to escape legal action,” he said.
“The next time this happens, end the call, contact your bank and check if it is true or call that particular police station and ask if such an officer exists.”
He said some of the victim were professionals and educated individuals, and several were very wealthy.
“I am sure there are many who did not fall for these fraudsters and ended the phone call, but the problem lies with those who entertain them and they are more likely to fall victim,” he said.
Mazlan also referred to the massive online breach of information involving 46 million mobile phone subscribers in Malaysia, believed to have occurred during a data transaction.
“With the leak of information people should be extra careful with any transactions over the phone,” he said.
Earlier, Mazlan witnessed the destruction of 3,885 gaming computers, simulator machines, laptops and tablets worth RM2.3 million.
The machines were part of the 7,834 items seized from Petaling Jaya in 628 raids this year.
A total of 609 people were arrested in connection with the seizure, and some charged in court and convicted.
