The Cyber Crime Investigation Division of the Royal Brunei Police Force’s (RBPF) Criminal Investigation Department alerted the public on the surge in ‘Macau Scam’ cases involving impersonation of bank and police officers causing significant financial losses.
The scam typically begins with a phone call from someone pretending to be a bank officer, claiming there are outstanding credit card payments or suspicious transactions on the victim’s account.
The call is then ‘transferred’ to another individual posing as a police officer, who alleges the victim’s bank account is involved in criminal activities.
The scammer then requests personal information and instructs the victim to transfer money for ‘security’ purposes, telling them not to inform anyone and to communicate only through WhatsApp.
The RBPF said the victims are often targetted during working hours, including senior citizens who may be home alone. In some cases, scammers instructed victims to withdraw money and hand it over to an individual for ‘safekeeping’. The Cyber Crime Investigation Division advised the public to stay vigilant and not fall for such schemes.
Personal information, such as bank account details or identification card numbers, should never be shared with unknown individuals.
The public is urged to remain calm when receiving suspicious calls and to verify the information by contacting their bank or the police via the 993 hotline, not through social media platforms.
The public should also avoid transferring or handing over money to unknown individuals.
Anyone who has fallen victim should contact their bank immediately to stop the transaction and lodge a police report.
The RBPF reminded the public that individuals who abet fraud, including those who lend their SIM cards or bank accounts, can be prosecuted.
The RBPF also called on the public to share this information with family members, especially children and the elderly, who are often the main targets.
“Prevention, awareness, vigilance and cooperation from all parties are key to fighting the ‘Macau Scam’,” the RBPF said. – James Kon
-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
