TANGKAK: A 58-year-old woman was scammed out of her life savings after receiving a fraudulent WhatsApp message that claimed she had won a RM1.5 million lottery grand prize.
The victim, a temple devotee, made 20 online cash transfers amounting to RM261,640 between May 31 and Aug 8 to claim the winnings.
She was reportedly told that the administration fee she was paying would be donated to the temple.
District police chief Superintendent Roslan Mohd Talib said the bank account she transferred the money to was later found to be a mule account.
She realised she had been duped when the prize money did not arrive, and lodged a police report yesterday, on Aug 12.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.
Roslan urged the public to remain vigilant and not be enticed by unsolicited lottery prize offers, especially those made online.
“Always verify the authenticity of such claims before transferring money,” he said in a statement.
“Check the latest scam alerts from the Commercial Crime Investigation Department via its Facebook, Instagram or TikTok accounts.”
Victims are advised to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre at 997 to block the outflow of funds from suspect accounts.
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