A lorry driver lost more than RM80,000 after borrowing money from friends to participate in an online investment and side job scheme promoted through social media, only to realise later that he had been cheated.
Kuala Muda District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Azli Mohd Noor, said the 35-year-old victim lodged a police report yesterday after discovering that he had been deceived by suspects posing as company representatives.
He said the victim was initially attracted to a Facebook advertisement offering part-time income before contacting several individuals via WhatsApp and Telegram on 3 June.
According to him, the suspects then explained that the job involved clicking on products in a system provided, which was allegedly required to earn commissions and profits.
After agreeing to the offer, the victim carried out the assigned tasks and received several small payments in the early stages, which further convinced him that the scheme was legitimate.
He was later told that he had supposedly generated profits of up to RM400,000 from the tasks performed.
However, in order to withdraw the supposed profits, the victim was instructed to make additional payments.
Azli said the victim, believing the promises made, proceeded to make 21 transactions involving six different bank accounts between 11 and 22 June, amounting to a total loss of RM80,580.
Despite the payments, no profits were ever received, while the suspects continued to demand further transfers.
Realising he had been scammed, the victim then lodged a police report.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
