KUALA LUMPUR: A company director was duped by three persons posing as Istana Negara officials who said they could award him a Datuk Seri title and a plot of land.

       Kuala Lumpur Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) chief Asst Comm Mohd Mahidisham Ishak said the victim made multiple payments amounting to RM406,400 between April 6 and June 17.

       “The victim received a phone call on March 28, informing him that Istana Negara will be awarding him the title. He met the three persons once at a restaurant near Gate 2 of Istana Negara and handed over his personal and company details. Subsequently, he made multiple payments to the suspects,” ACP Mohd Mahidisham said in a statement.

       The victim only realised that he was cheated after checking that the bank account used by the suspects was under a company not registered with the relevant authorities.

       “We are investigating the matter under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating,” he said.

       He urged those with information on title scams to contact the KL police hotline at 03-2146 0584/0585 or the nearest police station.