An electrician lost RM150,000 after falling victim to a non-existent investment scheme that promised quick and attractive returns.
The 48-year-old victim received a WhatsApp message on July 2 from an individual who introduced herself as “Maira” and offered him an opportunity to join an investment programme known as “Centralize International”.
Kuala Terengganu District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Azli Mohd Noor said the suspect allegedly convinced the victim to make several initial investments to prove that the scheme was legitimate.
“Through five initial investments, the victim received profits as promised. This caused him to believe that the investment scheme was genuine and capable of generating returns,” he said.
Azli said the suspect later offered a higher investment package worth RM100,000, claiming the victim would receive a bonus profit of RM70,000.
He added that between July 8 and July 16, the victim made four transactions amounting to RM150,000 into several bank accounts provided by the suspect.
However, after completing the payments, the victim did not receive the promised returns. Instead, the suspect claimed that the victim’s investment account had been frozen and requested additional payments to release the funds.
The victim later realised he had been deceived after failing to recover the money transferred to the accounts provided by the suspect.
He lodged a police report at the Kuala Terengganu Police Station at 5.05pm yesterday, and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Police said the victim used his personal savings to fund the investment scheme, resulting in a total loss of RM150,000.
