KUANTAN, Sept 10 — An elderly woman from Bentong, Pahang, who was recently reported missing, has been found safe in Rawang after she was believed to have been duped by a fake government aid scam syndicate preying on senior citizens.
Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the 72-year-old was reported missing by her son after closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showed her being escorted away by two unknown individuals on Wednesday (September 3).
“Checks revealed that her savings amounting to RM46,000 in two bank accounts had been completely withdrawn by the suspects at two banks in Rawang on the same day,” he told the press after the monthly assembly at the Pahang police contingent headquarters today.
Yahaya added that the victim was later abandoned by the roadside once the cash was withdrawn, before being found safe by family members a day after the incident.
The syndicate’s modus operandi was to lure elderly victims with promises of non-existent government aid, persuading them to bring along important documents before taking them to banks to withdraw their savings.
He advised the public, especially senior citizens, to remain vigilant and not to be easily deceived by such offers from strangers.
“Family members must also monitor the movements of their elderly parents,” Yahaya said, noting that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
