JOHOR BARU: A 72-year-old tour guide lost RM125,000 after falling for a bogus investment scheme that promised lucrative returns.
Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Raub Selamat said the victim had come across an investment advertisement on Facebook and clicked on the link.
“He was added into a Telegram group and communicated with the group’s admin, who introduced himself as Jeff Yong from a stock investment company.
“After discussions, the victim was convinced when offered a scheme that promised profits of up to 200% of his capital,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 10).
He said the man was told to transfer money into several bank accounts and wait for profits to be deposited directly into his bank account within a month.
“Enticed by the offer, the victim made 12 transactions into six bank accounts amounting to RM125,000.
“He only received RM100 profit and was then asked to make additional payments supposedly to release his profits,” he said, adding that the victim realised he had been cheated and lodged a police report.
ACP Raub said investigations are ongoing, including obtaining bank account details, recording statements from banks, conducting checks with telecommunication companies to trace the phone numbers used and tracking down the suspects.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a jail term of one to 10 years, whipping and a fine upon conviction.
“I remind the public to remain cautious when approached with investment offers on social media or WhatsApp.
“Always verify through the official Semak Mule portal before making any payments, and do not be easily swayed by promises of extraordinary returns in a short period,” he said.
Victims or those who come across suspicious activities should immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997, he added.
He stressed that legitimate investments will never require payments into personal accounts or guarantee unrealistic profits within a short timeframe.
