Overview of the Scam
A 75-year-old government pensioner in Kuala Terengganu, along with his wife, fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam that resulted in a total loss of RM88,000. Police reports indicate that the money comprised part of the retiree’s Tabung Haji savings and other household funds. The incident underscores the persistent threat that telephone-based fraud poses to seniors and families across Malaysia.
How the Scam Unfolded
Deputy or district police statements describe a scenario in which the victim received a call or calls that appeared to be from legitimate institutions. The callers managed to convince the couple to reveal personal financial details or authorize transfers, often under the guise of urgent issues such as security checks, tax matters, or supposed threats to their accounts. In many cases, scams escalate quickly, creating a sense of urgency that makes victims less able to verify claims.
Common Tactics to Watch For
- Impersonation of banks, government agencies, or religious trusts to gain trust.
- Requests for remote access to devices or for personal banking codes.
- Urgent demands to transfer funds or purchase vouchers as “proof” of identity.
- Pressure from callers who claim a family member is in danger or needs immediate help.
What Happened Next
In this case, the couple reportedly complied with the requests, leading to multiple transfers that exceeded the couple’s savings. The financial loss includes savings that were intended for daily living expenses and future security in retirement. Local police are urging residents to treat any unsolicited request for money with extreme caution, especially if the caller claims to be from a trusted institution or a government body.
Advice for the Public
Law enforcement and consumer protection agencies emphasize several steps to protect yourself and loved ones from phone scams:
- Verify before you act: independently contact the institution using official numbers sourced from official websites or service cards.
- Never share banking PINs, one-time passwords, or full card numbers over the phone.
- Be skeptical of urgency. Real institutions will not pressure you to act within minutes or threaten account closures.
- Use call-blocking features and report suspicious calls to local authorities or the national scam reporting channel.
- Educate elderly family members about common scam scripts and set up secure family communication channels for urgent matters.
Official Response and Support
The Kuala Terengganu district police chief reiterated the importance of vigilance and encouraged residents to share information about scam attempts. Authorities remind the public that financial losses from scams are preventable with awareness and careful verification. Support services and hotlines for scam victims are available to assist those who have fallen prey to such crimes.
Takeaway for Retirees and Families
Retirees and caregivers should review financial arrangements, set up joint accounts with trusted protections where appropriate, and monitor any unusual activity on bank statements. Regular discussions about scam trends and showcasing real-life cases—like this RM88,000 loss—help communities stay alert and reduce risk for older adults and their households.
