A middle-aged Penang accountant, with years of experience dealing with numbers and figures has fallen prey to yet another one of the elaborate banking scams currently being operated in our country.
In the space of two days, syndicate members managed to swindle RM510,000 (US$120,000) from Lim Lye Bee, convincing him that his bank accounts were under threat.
Holding a press conference in an attempt to bring awareness to the situation and to warn others, Lim detailed how a simple SMS from an unknown number was the start of his ordeal. It claimed that he had purchased an RM4,299 (US$1,000) diamond via his credit card. Not having any credit cards, the accountant rang the number back for more information. The person on the other end of the line told him that his personal details may have been compromised. They gave him a number, claiming it to be a direct line to Bank Negara.
Lim then called “Bank Negara” where a professional sounding official warned him that his details were at risk, and that at this time, it was best to give “Bank Negara” his account details for security reasons.
He was then advised to transfer his funds to a “Bank Negara” account for safe keeping.
At this point, Lim did not suspect that anything was amiss, and did as he was instructed. He was promised a passbook as a record of his transactions by the person on the other line. When no passbook materialized, Lim began to be suspicious.
It then occurred to him that something was awry, and after speaking to the state MCA Public Services and Complain Bureau, he lodged a police report.
People – this could happen to anyone, so remember – don’t reveal bank details over the phone. Neither your local bank, nor Bank Negara, will call you to say your security has been breached. There are some shady people out there, so stay safe.
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