The Star/Asia News Network
Saturday, Oct 06, 2012
KUALA LUMPUR - Those blacklisted by banks have become victims of syndicates offering quick personal loans.
Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department principal assistant director 1 (investigation) Senior Asst Comm Datuk Lim Char Boo said most of the victims were between the ages 20 and 40.
He said the syndicates operated via phone calls without requiring the victims to fill forms.
SAC Lim said the syndicates advertise their loan schemes through flyers and name cards.
He said they would place these in post boxes and car windscreens to attract their victims.
"Once the victim calls up the moneylender, they would convince the victims by promising approvals in only a few hours," said SAC Lim.
"The victims will be asked to deposit five to 10 per cent of the loan they are applying as a processing fee," he said yesterday.
"Once the money was deposited in an account, the moneylenders would disappear and their phones will be switched off," said SAC Lim.
Apparently, the syndicate members use the account numbers of "outsiders" to avoid detection.
SAC Lim said the syndicates also send out offers of loans via SMS.
"Some approach potential victims at banks, claiming they have officers who can approve their loan application," he said.
"Most of the victims applied for personal loans of up to RM50,000 (S$20,119.50) and RM60,000," he said.
Police have identified several people involved in the scam, including couples.
Last year, police received 477 reports from the public, involving RM9mil in losses.
"This year, there were 299 reports involving RM6mil loss," he said.
