A 66-year-old man lost RM15,140 after he was allegedly duped by an online investment scheme on Thursday.
Muallim district police chief Superintendent Khalid Mohamad said the victim became interested in an investment advertisement he saw on Facebook before contacting the scammers through WhatsApp.
He said the suspects used the name of an investment company to gain the victim’s trust before instructing him to make several payments into bank accounts provided to him.
“The victim made payments totalling RM15,140 before being told that returns amounting to RM123,120 had supposedly been credited to his account.
“However, the money never arrived, and he was then asked to make an additional RM7,000 payment under the pretext of a bank security protection fee,” he said in a statement on Friday.
The victim did not make the additional payment and subsequently lodged a police report.
Khalid said the case was being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
He advised the public to remain vigilant and not easily trust investment offers promoted through social media or made in person.
“Checks should be carried out with the relevant agencies before joining any investment scheme.
“The public can also check bank account numbers through the Semak Mule portal or contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 if they fall victim to a scam,” he said.
