Lecturer loses nearly RM500,000 to online investment scam

LocalBusiness & Finance
15 Jan 2026 • 9:58 AM MYT
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A FEMALE lecturer has fallen victim to an elaborate online investment scam, losing nearly half a million ringgit after being lured by a fraudulent stock investment scheme last September.

Pahang Police Chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman revealed that on 16 September 2025, the 39-year-old victim received a phone call from an individual claiming to be a stock investment agent from a reputable company.

“The victim was then added to a WhatsApp group called ‘C-129 WLIS AW Fans Group’ and instructed to download an investment application through a link provided to facilitate the so-called investment,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

According to Yahaya, the lecturer proceeded to make 22 separate transfers to five different bank accounts, using both her personal savings and loans obtained from family members, amounting to a total of RM493,600.

The scam came to light on 14 January, when the victim was asked to pay an additional RM144,676 as an “exit tax.” Suspicious of the request, she refused to make the payment, realising she had likely been defrauded, and subsequently lodged a police report.

Yahaya urged the public to seek advice from their nearest police station before making any investment, emphasising that early verification can prevent substantial financial losses.

“Members of the public are also reminded to check the legitimacy of bank account numbers received via links at [https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/](https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/) before making any transactions,” he added.

The case underscores the persistent threat posed by online scams in Malaysia, particularly those exploiting social media and messaging platforms to target unsuspecting individuals. - January 15, 2026