JOHOR BARU: A jewellery store clerk from Batu Pahat lost RM2.6mil after falling prey to an online investment scam.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the 49-year-old woman lodged a report last Saturday, detailing how she was tricked into believing it was a lucrative investment opportunity.
“She saw the advertisement for an online investment scheme on social media at the end of August.
“Interested in the offer, she clicked on the link provided to gather more information.
“Shortly after, she was contacted by several individuals who explained the investment plan, which purportedly promised returns of up to 9% on the amount invested,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
Comm Kumar said in the beginning of October, the woman decided to invest RM100,000.
“She then received returns of RM12,100, which convinced her of the scheme’s legitimacy.
“Encouraged by the initial profit, she invested more money between October and November, transferring a total of RM2,656,600 from her personal and joint bank accounts to several different accounts given by the suspects.
“However, no further returns were forthcoming. Instead, the victim was instructed to make additional payments in order to receive her profits and capital back,” said Comm Kumar.
He said it was then the woman realised she had been scammed.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Police warned the people to be cautious and avoid falling for investment offers on social media that promise high returns with minimal risk.
“The public are urged to verify investment opportunities with relevant agencies such as the police, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission Malaysia.“They can also use the ‘Semak Mule’ service to check the status of bank accounts and phone numbers linked to suspects before proceeding with any financial transactions.
“The public should also stay informed about current commercial crime trends to avoid being scammed,” Comm Kumar said.
Updates and information about common fraud methods can be found through the official social media channels of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (@CyberCrimeAlert and @JSJK PDRM) on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
