KUALA LUMPUR: A suspect who pretended to be a court officer duped a civil servant of RM711,626.

       A member of the Macau scam syndicate contacted the 52-year-old victim claiming to be an official and claimed that the victim was involved in graft and money laundering activities.

       City Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Asst Comm Mohd Mahidisham Ishak said the case occurred on Saturday (Feb 26).

       "The suspect pretended to be a court official via a phone call and told the victim that he was involved in money laundering and corruption activities.

       "The victim was then connected to a ‘police officer’ who instructed the victim to make transactions into 13 different accounts for the purpose of investigations," he said in a statement on Monday (Feb 28).

       He said that the victim in fear made 74 transactions amounting to RM711,626.

       "He only realised he was duped after making those transactions and lodged a police report.

       "We have opened investigations into cheating under Section 420 of the Penal Code," he said.

       ACP Mohd Mahidisham advised the public to always get detailed information from any official contacting them including name, rank, and place of work.

       "The public can also contact the nearest police station to cross check the details given to them.

       "Call the relevant agency that has contacted you via their official contact numbers.

       "Never reveal account information to third parties via phone call," he said, urging the public to be extra cautious when dealing with such phone calls.

       He urged those with information on such activities to contact the Kuala Lumpur police at 03-2610 1559 or 03-2610 1599 as well as the CCID WhatsApp infoline at 013-2111 222.

       The public can verify if the bank accounts which they are asked to transfer money to are under investigation for cheating at semakmule.rmp.gov.my.