JOHOR BARU: A technician lost more than RM160,000 after getting roped into a bogus investment scheme introduced by a Facebook acquaintance.
Seri Alam OCPD Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the 36-year-old male victim lodged a police report on Sunday (July 7) claiming to have been scammed by a Facebook friend.
“The victim received an opportunity from the suspect who offered an online business investment scheme promising a 20% profit on invested capital.
“He was given a link where he only needs to register himself and then has to take orders from customers and make advance payments using his own money,” he said here on Monday (July 8).
Supt Mohd Sohaimi added the victim was attracted to the seemingly simple step of making easy money after being told he would be making high returns.
He said the victim then made 21 online banking transactions to 14 different bank accounts between April 29 and June 23 totaling RM167,147.
“The payments he made were for items from orders he had gathered from online customers. However, after investing the amount, he realised he had been cheated when he failed to withdraw the profits he had supposedly made,” he added.
Supt Mohd Sohaimi said the case was being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and the investigation would also cover involvement of mule accounts.
“If there is evidence of mule accounts being used in this scam then action will be taken against the bank account owners,” he added.
Supt Mohd Sohaimi urged the public to always be vigilant and not easily believe investment schemes or part-time employment that promised easy, faster and higher financial returns.
