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A 45-YEAR-OLD businessman has lost more than RM2.2 million to two fraudulent investment schemes just months apart, after being repeatedly deceived by scams advertised on Facebook.
Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the victim first fell prey to a bogus investment offer in February this year, in which he transferred RM440,000 through 13 transactions over a three-month period.
“He did not receive any returns and was instead asked to pay a 20 percent ‘tax’ to withdraw the funds. He refused after suspecting it was a scam,” Yahaya said in a statement on Thursday.
Despite this, the man was later drawn into a second scheme in May, after engaging with an individual over WhatsApp following a Facebook advertisement.
“In this case, the victim made 18 transactions amounting to RM1.86 million to six different bank accounts between 14 May and 15 July 2025,” Yahaya said.
The scam appeared legitimate at first, with the victim receiving a return of RM20,000, which convinced him to continue investing. However, on Tuesday, he was asked to pay an additional RM88,000 for a ‘fast withdrawal’—a demand he refused.
Subsequent checks via the police’s Semak Mule online portal revealed that the bank accounts used were previously linked to criminal activity.
The victim lodged a report at the Maran district police headquarters yesterday.
“The losses—totalling over RM2.2 million—comprised his own savings and money borrowed from friends,” Yahaya said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Police continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and verify investment opportunities through official channels before parting with money. - July 24, 2025
