JOHOR BARU: A retired teacher was not only deceived by a non-existent investment scheme, but the elderly woman also fell victim to a legal service scam, resulting in losses amounting to RM467,237.
Johor Baru Selatan district police chief Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat said police received a report from the 60-year-old woman today.
He said the victim stated that the incident began on June 17 after she saw an investment advertisement on Facebook while at her home in Ulu Tiram.
“The investment promised extraordinary returns of up to 94 per cent within a day.
“Enticed by the lucrative offer, the victim contacted the phone number displayed and was then added to a WhatsApp group that supposedly provided guidance on stock trading.
“Over nine days between June 17 and 26, the victim made 20 transactions totalling RM286,337 into several bank accounts belonging to different local individuals.
“However, every time the victim attempted to withdraw her profits, the suspect gave various excuses and requested additional payments, until the victim realised she had been deceived,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
Raub said the victim later sought legal services to help recover the funds, after coming across another advertisement on Facebook.
He said the victim then contacted an individual who claimed to represent a law firm and was added to another WhatsApp group.
“The victim was taught how to recover her money but was asked to make payments for legal matters.
“Between July 4 and Aug 2, the victim made seven transactions amounting to RM180,900 into seven different accounts as payment for the legal process.
“The victim continued to be asked for more payments until she realised she was being scammed.
“Police checks found that the 23 accounts involved had a total of 24 prior fraud records,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
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