Kuala Lumpur, 31st March 2026 - They stop people to ask for directions, offer traditional treatment or sell goods at low prices.

If someone stops to talk to them, they use persistent persuasion, pressure or emotional manipulation to make the victims hand over cash or jewellery.

These were among the common modus operandi of “pukau” scammers investigated by the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) last year.

“In some cases, the scammers may claim the victim’s money or valuables are ‘problematic’ and need to be ‘cleansed’,” said CP Dato’ Rusdi Mohd Isa.

Director of CCID said suspects typically approach victims at random in public places such as markets, banking premises and parking areas.

Read futher on The Star's article attached.