Worrying level in awareness of scams

I REFER to the report: “Cops: If you are asked to transfer cash then you are being scammed” (The Star, June 25).

It is sad that even a doctor who can be described as suitably “educated” can be duped into easily parting with his hard-earned money.

As the victim is young (28 years old), it is understandable that he is a stranger to the wily ways of the scammers. He must have panicked when forcefully accused of nefarious dealings and ran to the bank to “secure” his savings.

The report says the victim went to the bank the same day that the scammer(s) called him and “transferred RM92,800 into several bank accounts” as instructed.

In this situation, it would have been most helpful to the victim if the bank had played an interventionist role and interviewed him about why he was making these transfers into several other accounts.

In fact, I would say that it is incumbent on the banks to do this to verify the authenticity of the transactions. After all, banks are supposedly the custodians of our money and are duty bound to protect their customers’ interests at all times.

I am sure customers would not accuse the bank of being a “busybody” if their questions were explained properly.

There was another case of a tailor from Bahau in Negri Sembilan who lost RM80,954 in a non-existent loan scheme.

The police must set up a special squad of trained officers to immediately swing into action when reports of scams are lodged to enable the recovery of whatever is left of the loot and also apprehend the offenders, including those who lend their names to the masterminds to open bank accounts.

The worst part is people are being scammed on a daily basis. Are these people so gullible that they can be taken very easily for a ride? Are they not aware of the numerous reports in the media about people being scammed?