KULAI, Oct 12: A retired private-sector employee has claimed losses of RM175,305 after being duped by an online gold sales syndicate on Sept 10.
Kulai police chief ACP Tan Seng Lee said the 55-year-old woman came across a Facebook advertisement promoting the sale of 916 gold and clicked on the provided link.
“The victim was then added to a Telegram group called ‘Pajak Gadai Lelong Emas 916’ and expressed interest in purchasing a gold bracelet priced at RM75, before dealing with an individual known as Nurul Aliya,” he said today.
He said the victim was initially asked to pay RM655 for the gold purchase and delivery fees, before being instructed to make 35 transactions to several different bank accounts.
“The total payments, amounting to RM175,305, were made between Oct 6 and yesterday, supposedly to cover various fees including customs duties, Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) taxes, excise duties, and several other charges,” he said.
Tan said the victim realised she was being scammed when she was asked to make additional payments, prompting her to lodge a police report yesterday.
The case is classified under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
— BERNAMA