‘High Court’ Scam Continues Unabated
By Azaraimy HH

Bandar Seri Begawan - The "High Court" phone call scam is showing no signs of stopping. Since the first report of the new scam appeared in the Bulletin May 8, the police said they have recorded more than 35 cases so far and are intensifying their investigation.

The scam involves a phone call to tell a victim that he or she has outstanding High Court cases for money laundering. The victim is asked for his/her personal identification and credit card numbers.

The whole operation is conducted in such a professional manner that phone calls look very real leaving many to fall for it.

The police have reminded the public to be wary of such scams as the conmen are relentless in their pursuit to find victims, despite media reports of the scam following a police press conference on May 7.

It is an offence under Section 416 of the Penal Code, and according to the law, those found guilty will face seven years' jail, a fine or both.

The conmen don't seem to spare anyone. The police told the Bulletin, that one of the victims is an officer in the High Court itself. When the call was received from the scammer, the victim said it must be a mistake because he is an officer at the High Court. The caller immediately hung up.

Another victim yesterday reported the case to the police and told the Bulletin that she was shocked upon receiving the call saying that she was wanted for a case involving money laundering.

She first heard a voice recorded message saying that it was from the High Court and asked her to press "0" for further information. Then a person, speaking in a local accent, answered and asked for her full name and personal identification number, saying that they need to search the file as there were a lot of cases in their books.

When she gave out the details, he asked for her bank account details which made her realise it was a scam and demanded to see the caller personally.

The police said they do not rule out local involvement in the scam.

The police have asked members of the public who may have fallen victims to the scam to take necessary precaution.

Those who have given out their bank account details or credit card numbers should inform their banks for confirmation of any transaction.

The police said credit card numbers can be used in many ways by a criminal, for example for Internet purchases or money transfer.

They said the basic thing to do if they receive such calls is to ask for the caller's name and telephone number in order to call them back, which may deter the scammer from proceeding any further. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with