Ipoh man loses RM1.9m in fake police phone scam

A 78-year-old man in Ipoh has lost RM1.9 million after a caller posing as a police officer convinced him he was linked to an investigation and ordered him to transfer money to unknown accounts.

Victim told he was under investigation

Perak police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the victim lodged a report on Friday after realising the calls were part of a scam. The man said he had been intimidated by the impersonator, who persuaded him to follow instructions and move his funds.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which covers cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.

Police repeat transfer warning

Police have again stressed that genuine officers do not instruct members of the public to transfer money into specified bank accounts as part of an investigation. Anyone receiving such a demand should end the call and independently contact the relevant authority through an official number.

The reported loss shows the scale of harm that can result when a caller combines an invented investigation with pressure and urgency, particularly when the victim believes the request comes from law enforcement.

What it means for foreigners in Malaysia

Foreign residents and visitors should treat any unexpected demand to transfer money for police, immigration or bank checks as a warning sign. Verify a caller through an official channel, do not share banking details, and seek help from a trusted person or local authority before making a payment.

6 September 2026