KUALA LUMPUR:The public is reminded to ensure letters or packages containing personal information are disposed of properly to avoid it being misused by irresponsible parties through fraud.

Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigations Department director Datuk Zainuddin Yaacob issued the reminder following a video about scams using personal information, especially phone numbers obtained from discarded packages of online purchases, that went viral.

Zainuddin said in a statement today that the police had not received any reports regarding such scams thus far.

“We urge the public to make a police report if they have been a victim of a scam using such a modus operandi so that investigations can be carried out.

“The police guarantee that investigations under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of up to 10 years and whipping, will be conducted if such a case is reported,” he said.

The 1.54-minute video showed an incident that appears to be a re-enactment of a scam using personal information obtained from a package discarded by a victim into a garbage bin at a public location.

He also reminded the public, especially those purchasing online, to share information regarding the delivery with their family members and the payment status to avoid being cheated.

“Family members at home should not simply make payments for packages sent before getting confirmation from the family member who made the purchase,” he said.

-- BERNAMA