Sibu: An elderly trader has suffered a financial loss of RM190,800 after falling victim to an online foreign currency exchange scam. The scam involved a deceitful transaction that was purportedly for the exchange of Malaysian Ringgit into Hong Kong dollars.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sibu district police chief ACP Azari Miskon revealed that the victim, who is in his 60s, reported that his son, working in Papua New Guinea, requested him to make payments into several local bank accounts. These payments were intended for a currency exchange transaction that promised a higher profit margin than the standard exchange rate, as claimed by an individual known as 'David' whom the victim's son encountered via WhatsApp.

ACP Azari explained that two days prior, the victim, wanting to assist his son, transferred the money to the local bank account given by the suspect. However, it was discovered upon verification with his son that the funds were never transferred to the Hong Kong bank account of the son's associate as promised.

Realizing the deception when 'David' became unreachable, the victim lodged a police report. ACP Azari stated that the case is under investigation pursuant to Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. He also issued a caution to the public, advising against transferring money to unfamiliar personal accounts.