Overview of the incident
A teacher in Kuala Berang, Terengganu, fell victim to a sophisticated scam last month, losing RM144,152 after being deceived by a man who claimed to be an officer from the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC). Local police said the anonymous caller manipulated the victim, a 56-year-old, into believing an urgent investigation was required and that immediate payment was necessary to avoid legal trouble.
How the scam unfolded
According to Hulu Terengganu OCPD Supt Sharudin Abdul Wahab, the suspect contacted the victim by phone, adopting the voice and mannerisms of a legitimate NSRC officer. The impostor conveyed that the ongoing case involved violations of cybercrime or financial fraud and that the victim’s cooperation was required to resolve the matter quickly. Trust was built through professional-sounding language, subtle pressure, and a rehearsed script designed to instill fear of arrest.
The monetary loss and consequences
Over several conversations, the teacher was guided to make a series of payments through bank transfers and (in some reports) electronic wallets. By the time the deception was discovered, the victim had transferred a total of RM144,152. The financial impact is not only the lost funds but the emotional strain and sense of violation members of the public can feel after being duped by individuals posing as government officials.
Police response and preventative steps
Police in Hulu Terengganu have reminded the public to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited calls, especially those demanding payment or sensitive information. The NSRC, a government-backed initiative, is part of Malaysia’s anti-scam framework, but authorities emphasize that legitimate officers will never demand payment over the phone or require personal banking details. Officers advise the following preventive measures:
- Do not share bank details or transfer money based on a cold call.
- Verify the caller’s identity through official channels before taking any action.
- Contact the NSRC or local police directly using numbers from official government websites or trusted sources.
- Report suspicious calls immediately to authorities to facilitate investigations and potentially recover funds.
Impact on the community and ongoing investigations
Incidents like this create a climate of fear, especially among educators and other professionals who are frequently targeted by professional scammers. The NSRC and other law enforcement units continue to audit and update their procedures to better inform the public about common scam methods, including impersonation of officers. Investigators are pursuing leads related to the suspect’s phone number, call records, and financial transactions.
What this means for potential victims
Authorities reiterate that vigilance is key for everyone. If you suspect you have received a scam call, hang up, verify with official numbers, and report the incident. Education institutions, in particular, are urged to disseminate information about scam prevention, train staff on recognizing red flags, and establish clear protocols for dealing with suspicious calls. The tourism and education sectors in Terengganu have started to share resources about cyberfraud prevention to reduce the risk of further losses in the community.
Conclusion
The Kuala Berang case underscores the evolving tactics of scammers who prey on legitimate concerns and perceived authority. While the victim’s loss is substantial, the case also highlights the importance of prompt reporting and thorough, verified communication channels to protect the public from similar schemes in the future.
