SIBU: Two persons here have lost a combined RM97,406 in separate scam cases whose reports were lodged the same day.
In the first case reported on Monday (Oct 14), a 50-year-old jobless man was fleeced of RM63,680 in an investment scam.
Sibu OCPD, Asst Comm Zulkipli Suhaili said the man's ordeal started early this month when he was drawn in by a Facebook investment scheme advert promising high returns.
"The suspect who introduced himself as 'Calvin' promised the victim significant profits within six hours. As he is unemployed and eager to earn money, the victim decided to proceed with the investment," he said.
The victim made 12 transfers totaling RM63,680, into five bank accounts through a cash deposit machine.
After completing the payments, the victim was instructed to make additional payments to receive his investment profits.
The suspect claimed that it would take three days for the money to be deposited into the victim’s account.
However, when the victim asked for the payment, the suspect demanded further funds.
Despite making multiple payments, the victim did not receive any of the profits promised and realised the game was up.
In the second case, a 30-year-old woman working in a private company lost RM33,726 to an online job scam.
The scam again came in the form of a Facebook advertisement for nine part-time jobs
Intrigued by the offers, she contacted a person named "Winnie" on a number listed in the ad via WhatsApp.
The ‘job’ sounded simple enough: press a few weblinks, hit a few ‘likes’ and get paid commissions.
Tempted by the prospect of more cash, the victim followed instructions to deposit money to be entitled to higher commissions.
She made several transactions as requested, transferring a total of RM33,726 into six bank accounts. Each transaction led to a promise that the commission would come if only the victim banks in more cash.
Both cases started with the suspects pressing the victims for more cash for their prize.
And both ended with their calls getting blocked and the realisation that they had become scam victims.
As with the first case after completing payments, the suspect continued to ask for additional money.
When the victim attempted to contact the suspect, her calls were blocked, and she realised she had been scammed.
Both cases are being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
