What happened
Sinar Harian reported on 8 November 2026 that Brickfields district police chief Assistant Commissioner Hoo Chang Hook said a retiree in Kuala Lumpur lost a total of RM179,490 after being deceived by two individuals posing as senior police officers. According to police, the suspects contacted the victim and claimed the victim was involved in money laundering and drug trafficking, then instructed the victim to hand over bank cards, cash and jewellery supposedly for investigation purposes. The police officers named or implied are impersonated; real police are not involved in demanding such handovers.
How the scam works
The losses involved cash, gold purchases and transfers to three third-party accounts. Money-laundering and drug-trafficking accusations are designed to terrify the victim into cooperating without telling family or going to a station in person. Asking for bank cards, cash and jewellery "for investigation" is the opposite of how real police handle evidence: officers do not collect a suspect's savings through an unsolicited phone call.
Once cards and cash are handed over, funds can be withdrawn or transferred quickly, and jewellery can be sold. Transfers to third-party accounts further distance the money from the victim. Police said they are checking with telecommunications companies and reviewing CCTV footage, and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code while efforts to trace the suspects continue.
Anyone who receives a similar call should hang up, not hand over cards, cash or valuables, and contact police through a published number or by visiting a station. Family members of older people may want to agree in advance that no one will move money or valuables because of a phone call. Victims should report quickly so banks and police can try to freeze remaining funds.
Source
Sinar Harian report, 8 November 2026: https://www.sinarharian.com.my/article/803762/berita/semasa/pesara-rugi-rm179490-diperdaya-penyamar-pegawai-kanan-polis
