Brickfields police chief Amihizam Abdul Shukor said the reports were received between June 13 and 15 after a WhatsApp message about an incident went viral.

“In that case, a local woman who works as an account executive reported receiving a phone call from an unknown individual claiming that her son was being held captive and demanding a ransom be paid.

“The complainant immediately checked on her son and found him safe and immediately ended the call with the suspect,” he said in a statement today.

Amihizam said the case was being investigated under Sections 420 / 511 of the Penal Code for attempted fraud.

He also advised the public to be wary of calls from unknown individuals and to check on their children’s whereabouts by contacting their school.