THERE has been an increase in money-scamming syndicates in Kuala Lumpur using new methods to reel in victims this year, said the head of city police’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID).

Assistant Commissioner Mohd Luthfi Ismail Abdullah said there were 137 cases in the capital this year, compared with 31 cases last year.

“It is a 400% increase… these syndicates are using advertisements via Facebook, WhatsApp, SMS and newspapers, and even impersonating bank officers.

“These ‘bank officers’ usually stand near banks and offer ‘help’ to people who fail to get loans,” he said at a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur police contingent headquarters today.

Total losses incurred by victims this year amounted to RM1.3 million, compared with RM694,000 last year.

“This year, we have solved three major cases involving these syndicates,”said Luthfi.

“Nationwide, we have solved 60 cases this year.”

He said the syndicates comprised locals and usually targeted victims who had been blacklisted by Bank Negara or were desperate for quick cash.

“Their ‘business’ is done via phone calls and texts. There is no face-to-face interaction.

“Victims are coerced into paying a ‘processing fee’ or ‘lawyer’s fee’, which is 10% of the total amount borrowed.

“The syndicates make it look like a vetting process and promise victims the borrowed money in two to three days.

“But when the victims try calling back a few days later, their calls usually go unanswered.”

Three days ago, CCID conducted a raid on a syndicate operating out of the Residensi condominium in Jalan Jalil Perkasa 1, Bukit Jalil.

Five Malaysians were arrested, and 14 handphones, five ATM cards, a passport, a modem, 17 ledgers, RM7,655 and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle were seized.

They will be investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

Police are looking to extend their remand today. – July 28, 2017.