Parcel scam cases in Penang rise by 100 percent in 2015 - Police

Crime cases involving parcel scam syndicates in Penang rose by more than 100 percent last year.

Penang Police chief Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Hanafi said the 102 cheating cases involving losses of RM1.7 million were reported throughout last year compared to only 46 cases in 2014.

"Most of those who were cheated were women who fell in love with members of the syndicate," he said adding that the ruse was masterminded by foreign nationals.

According to Bernama, the victims only realised that they had been cheated after handing over a large sum of money purportedly for the release of parcels containing valuable items sent by the suspects.

However, they would only realised that they have been duped after checking with the Customs Department and was told that there were no such parcels, said Abdul Rahim after opening the Commercial Crime Prevention Campaign at Sunway Carnival, Thursday.

In his speech earlier, Abdul Rahim said police would increase patrols in housing areas in the state during the Chinese New Year holidays involving 1,800 officers and personnel.

Those intending to leave their homes to go on holiday are advised to fill the relevant form at the nearest police station to enable police to conduct patrols, he added.