MIRI – A 40-year-old local man has pleaded guilty at the Miri Magistrate’s Court to four charges of fraud involving e-wallet transfers and fake online payments.
The charges, brought under Section 417 of the Penal Code, stemmed from incidents where the accused tricked victims using QR codes and falsified payment screenshots.
In one case, he deceived a man in his early 20s into transferring RM200 to his e-wallet account with the promise of repayment, which never materialised.
In another incident, the accused defrauded a hotel in Miri by presenting a screenshot of a fake online payment to cover an 11-day stay. Police investigations led to his arrest on 10 June 2026, after which he was charged in court.
The Magistrate’s Court sentenced him to a fine of RM1,000 for each charge, with a one-month imprisonment term to be served if he fails to pay the fines.
The Miri District Police Chief has reminded the public to remain vigilant when dealing with online transactions.
He advised individuals and businesses to verify payments thoroughly before accepting proof of transfer, stressing that fraudsters often exploit trust and digital platforms to commit crimes.
This case highlights the growing risks associated with digital payment systems and the importance of awareness in preventing fraud.
Authorities continue to urge the community to exercise caution and report suspicious activities promptly.
