KUANTAN, Sept 2 — A 66-year-old retiree from a national multinational oil and gas company has lost RM1.417 million after falling victim to a phone fraud syndicate between May and yesterday.

Pahang Acting Police Chief Datuk Azry Akmar Ayob stated today that the victim received a call on May 19 from an unidentified individual who falsely claimed the retiree was implicated in money laundering activities. To supposedly clear his name, the victim was instructed to open an Agrobank account and consolidate his savings there for verification by authorities.

Following the account setup, a male suspect met the victim at his residential area, where the victim handed over his new bank card and PIN. Over the next three months, the retiree transferred a total of RM1,417,210 into the account—sourcing funds from his Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Amanah Saham Berhad (ASB), and Tabung Haji savings, alongside proceeds from pawned gold.

The retiree only realized he had been defrauded yesterday after discovering that his money had been siphoned off into six separate bank accounts and withdrawn via automated teller machines (ATMs) without his knowledge.

“The public is advised to check account numbers via the Semak Mule portal before making any transactions and to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 immediately if they become victims of fraud,” Azry Akmar said.

He urged members of the public to seek advice at the nearest police station before taking action after receiving suspicious phone calls. Police are investigating the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

–NMT

Tags: Pahang phone fraud police