PETALING JAYA: Goay Chan Hong received several calls recently telling him that he owed the state government tax arrears and demanding that he pay up.
The 30-year-old is a full-time PhD student who is not employed and does not earn a salary.
Norasiah Md Baharuddin, a 59-year-old, has also received such a call.
“They told her she has to pay the tax or court action will be taken against her. They said the court is in Terengganu while we live in Kuala Lumpur.
“They even threatened to send the police to our house,” said her daughter Nina Yaakob, 36.
Norasiah is a housewife who has never been formally employed.
A syndicate is at work, cheating people by claiming to be from the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
The victims are contacted by syndicate members who claim to be HASiL officers or police officers and the victims are ordered to download a fake mobile application of Bank Negara or share their personal banking details on a website which they claimed is operated by the central bank for investigation purpose.
It is quite elaborate and convincing.
LHDN’s Director of CEO Office Ranjeet Kaur told The Star that victims are contacted by the syndicate through messages, phone calls, letters or emails regarding their tax arrears payment.
“They are then lured to transfer the money into the bank account which does not belong to the HASiL,” she said.
Asked if such calls have become…
