JOHOR BARU: A maintenance supervisor lost nearly RM150,000 of his savings in an online investment scam.
Seri Alam OCPD Supt Mohd Sohaimi Ishak reported that the 64-year-old victim, employed in the private sector, was lured by a suspect who promised an attractive 15% return on his investment.
“He was convinced by the suspect, who guaranteed instant returns. The victim, eager to try something new, proceeded with the online scheme known as Q-She,” Supt Mohd Sohaimi said.
From Aug 27 to Oct 14, the victim made a total of 10 online transactions to six different bank accounts, amounting to RM149,291. However, he became suspicious when the promised returns never materialised.
“When the victim attempted to claim his profits on Oct 15, the suspect continually provided excuses and even urged him to invest more funds. It was then that the victim realised he had been duped and subsequently lodged a police report on Wednesday, Oct 23,” he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a punishment of one to ten years in prison, caning, and fines.
Supt Mohd Sohaimi emphasised that investigations would also focus on the mule accounts involved, with action to be taken against their owners.
“Always be cautious of investments that promise easy, high, and quick returns,” he cautioned. “Individuals intending to make online transfers should utilise the Semakmule portal to verify and check for mule bank accounts, phone numbers, and shell companies linked to scammers.”
The public is encouraged to use online services provided by the Commercial Crime Investigation Department, including the CCID Scam Response Centre (03-26101559 / 03-26101599), the CCID Infoline, and the official Facebook pages of JSJK PDRM and BSJK PDRM.
Additionally, the National Scam Response Centre (997) can assist in verifying any information related to commercial crimes before making any payments.
