NIBONG TEBAL (July 2, 2012): Police have crippled a money “phishing” syndicate based in George Town that allegedly siphoned data to steal money, with the arrest of three suspects on June 22 after police first detected the activity six months ago.
Penang deputy police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Jaafar said some 50 police reports have been lodged over the period by bank customers who found their accounts having unauthorised withdrawals in Thailand, Vietnam and other parts of Malaysia.
Speaking at a press conference here today, Abdul Rahim said police now suspect these cases are related to the syndicate which is believed to have operated by using Automated Teller Machine (ATM) skimmers and modified cameras attached.
He said the case is now being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. The suspects were remanded until today.
The offence carries imprisonment of not less than one year and not more than 10 years, whipping and a fine.
Abdul Rahim advised the public to be cautious should they notice any modifications to a bank’s ATM.
He also urged the public to report to the relevant bank and the police any suspicious person around the bank premises or if there is any unknown transaction made to their bank accounts.