PDRM Arrests 4 Over Online Jewellery Scams Amounting To RM17,000 In Losses
The syndicate found their victims through Telegram and Instagram.
By Deborah Chan — 31 Jan 2023, 02:46 PM
The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) busted an online jewellery scam syndicate last Thursday, 26 January
According to Bernama, the four suspects, aged between 26 and 45, were apprehended during two separate raids that took place in the federal capital and Selangor.
PDRM secretary Datuk Noorsiah Mohd Saaduddin said that the four suspects consisted of two local women, a man, and a woman with a permanent resident status who is suspected to be the mastermind of the operation.
She said that the syndicate operates via chat groups on Telegram and Instagram to advertise their jewellery, while seeking out potential victims.
Cleverly disguised as a legitimate online business, the syndicate would sell jewellery that the victims would pay for but never receive
"Victims who were interested in the advertised jewellery was contacted by a syndicate member and instructed to make a payment to a specific account," she said in a statement on Sunday, 29 January.
"However, after the payment was made, the promised jewellery was not received by the victim."
During the raid, the police seized six mobile phones, two bank cards, and seven copies of WhatsApp conversations suspected to be used for fraudulent activities, reported Bernama.
The police believe that at least six cases involving jewellery scams, with losses amounting to RM17,000, have been resolved with the arrests
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, and all suspects have been remanded for two days starting 27 January.
"The public is advised to be vigilant to prevent such cases from becoming rampant. They can obtain information and advice from the Commercial Crime Investigation Department, or contact the National Scam Response Center at 997," added Norsiah.
