Teacher From Kuantan Buys SmartTAG Via Suspicious Online Link, Ends Up Losing Over RM123k

A teacher in Kuantan, Pahang recently lost RM123,350.19 to an online scam after he tried to buy a SmartTAG device for RM80 on social media. The 54-year-old man suffered losses after he clicked on the link provided by the scammer when making the payment.

As reported by BERNAMA, the victim said that he entered his banking details through the link but the payment did not go through. He then provided details of another bank account but again, the payment did not go through.

It is when he checked his bank accounts is when he realised that his funds were missing, with 16 withdrawals being made by the scammer. Realising that he was being duped, the victim lodged a police report at the Maran district police headquarters on 14 March 2023.

Commenting on the case, Pahang Police chief Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yusof  asserted,

“The victim alleged that he entered his bank details in the link but the payment did not go through, prompting him to try again by providing details of another bank account. The victim claimed that as he still could not complete the payment, he checked his bank account and found that 16 withdrawals had been made without his knowledge,”

Ramli urged the public to not download any unauthorised or suspicious applications or links. Moreover, Malaysians should always carry out checks at the official Commercial Crime Investigation Department of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) website before making any transactions to avoid being victims of scams.

Remember guys to always stay vigilant online and not share your personal and banking details! Always do proper research before making any transactions and if something sounds too good to be true, then most of the time, it is. 

Also read: 34yo Woman In Sarawak Losses Over RM45,000 To Online Job Scam On Facebook