Previously scammed three times, Malaysian retiree loses US$26,600 to fake scam recovery service

KEDAH, MALAYSIA: A retired engineer who attempted to recover money lost to previous scams was cheated again, losing RM108,001 (approximately US$26,600) to a fraudulent recovery service.

Kedah acting Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Deputy Superintendent Jasmani Sabrini said the 54-year-old victim lodged a police report at the Kuala Muda district police headquarters at 12.09pm on 11 January.

The victim’s ordeal began on 16 May last year, when he came across a Facebook advertisement claiming: “If you are a scam victim, please contact us.” He clicked on the link and provided his name and phone number.

Asked to pay upfront fees

After responding to the advertisement, the victim was added to a WhatsApp group and instructed to submit his personal details.

He was then told that an upfront payment was required to open a case file before his application could be processed.

Between 28 May and 18 June, the victim carried out eight online transactions into various bank accounts registered under different individuals and companies.

Despite making the payments, the syndicate continued demanding more money, claiming additional funds were needed to retrieve his original losses.

The total amount lost eventually reached RM108,001 (approximately US$26,600).

Victim previously scammed three times

Police investigations revealed that the complainant had been scammed three times previously, with investigation papers already opened in Sungai Petani and Padang Serai, Kulim, involving cases of non-existent loans.

Police have advised the public not to be deceived by online advertisements offering to recover money lost to scams.

Members of the public are urged to verify such claims with the authorities before conducting any suspicious transactions.

Checks can be made through the Semak Mule application, the JSJK PDRM Facebook page, or by calling the National Scam Response Centre at 997.

Repeat scam tactics previously flagged

Authorities have previously warned that scam victims in Malaysia are increasingly being targeted again by fake “anti-scam” or recovery services.

MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Michael Chong had described the trend as “scammers scamming scam victims”, cautioning that desperate victims are lured by unrealistic promises of recovering 90 to 95 per cent of lost funds.

Legal experts stressed that such claims are misleading, noting that actual recovery rates in scam cases are often extremely low.

Despite repeated warnings, many of these deceptive advertisements remain active online, leaving scam victims vulnerable to repeat financial losses while investigations into earlier cases are still ongoing.