A medical officer has reportedly lost RM2.6 million after falling victim to a fake investment scam promising unusually high returns of up to 15 percent.
Johor Police Chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad revealed that the 45-year-old local man lodged a police report on August 27 after failing to withdraw his investment funds. According to the officer, the victim became involved in the scheme on May 25, after seeing a stock investment advertisement on social media.
“The victim clicked a WhatsApp link and contacted the suspect,” Ab Rahaman said. “The suspect offered investments through an overseas company, promising returns between five and 15 percent for every amount invested.”
The victim was also instructed to download an app on his smartphone, allegedly to monitor his investments. Tempted by promises of instant profits, he made 56 money transfers totaling RM2,603,900 to eight different bank accounts between May 25 and August 8.
The victim realised he had been scammed only after he failed to withdraw funds via the app, prompting him to report the matter to the police.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which deals with cheating.
Authorities have warned the public not to be easily lured by investment schemes promising high or “guaranteed” returns without risk to avoid similar losses.
