Pahang: A lecturer has lost RM294,000 after falling victim to a syndicate claiming to be a police officer and representative of an e-commerce company. Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said a man, aged 44, had received a telephone call on April 30 from an individual claiming to be a representative of e-commerce platform Lazada, saying that the victim's telephone number had been used for fraudulent activities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the victim was then connected to another individual posing as a police officer who accused the victim of being involved in document forgery and money laundering cases. The suspect also threatened the victim with imprisonment and whipping. In a statement released today, it was revealed that the suspect ordered the victim to report to them five times per day via phone, WhatsApp, and video calls.

Due to panic over the threat, the victim made 17 transactions to 11 different bank accounts through online banking and cash deposit machines, involving a total amount of RM294,000. The money was obtained from personal savings, family, and a bank loan.

Yahaya advised the public not to panic easily if they receive suspicious calls and to immediately verify with the police or relevant agencies. He also encouraged the public to verify account numbers and phone numbers through the link https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my before making any financial transactions.