A new type of scam has emerged where small items like mobile phones or some money are pushed into the pockets of unwary persons who are then accused of theft.
The deliberations also pointed out that KL International Airport (KLIA) was a major sight of the crime. The authorities however have deprived of the existence of such crimes in KLIA.
According to Daily Chilli , The Star’s new online entry, a person who is responsible would slip a mobile phone or wallet with a few ringgits into the victim’s pocket. The doer would later accuse the victim of stealing. (messinascatering)
Another person would then show up and claim to have seen the victim commit the crime. The cheats would then pull the victim aside to discuss a payment. The victim would pay up to avoid a commotion or police participation.
There were even stories of victims languishing in jails as the perpetrators managed to convince the police to arrest the innocent travellers.The people who are usual targeted are said to be those from the West or Middle East.
The scam is also discussed in several online forums and there are both believers and sceptics.The authorities however have denied the existence of such crimes. Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Mahmud Adam said he had yet to hear of such a scam.
A Malaysian Airports Holdings Berhad spokesperson said there were no cases of push pocket reported at both the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) and the KLIA in recent years. The airports make public announcement to inform travellers not to leave their luggage unattended.
Push pocket is being seen as Malaysia’s version of Thailand’s Zigzag scheme.