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THE promise of high returns in a short period proved costly for a housewife in Pahang, who lost RM90,380 after falling victim to an online investment scam promoted through social media.
Pekan district police chief Superintendent Mohd Zaidi Mat Zin said the incident began on August 5 last year when the 53-year-old single mother was attracted to an investment advertisement she came across on a social media platform and clicked on the link provided.
The victim was subsequently contacted by an individual claiming to represent the investment scheme and agreed to participate in a plan that promised high returns within two to three hours.
“The victim was asked to fill in an online form and provide a copy of her identity card, bank account information and other personal details.
“From August 9 to October 27, the victim made 27 money transfer transactions to several different bank accounts, amounting to a total of RM90,380,” he said in a statement on Saturday night.
Mohd Zaidi said the victim did not receive any of the profits promised after making the investments.
He said the woman began to suspect she had been deceived after she ran out of funds to make further payments and was unable to contact the purported investment representatives.
“Following that, the victim lodged a report at the Pekan district police headquarters and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating,” he said.
Mohd Zaidi urged the public to remain vigilant against online investment offers that promise unusually high returns in a short time, particularly those advertised on social media platforms.
Members of the public are advised to conduct preliminary checks through the official portal at [https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my](https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my) to identify bank accounts linked to fraud cases.
Those who believe they may be victims of scams are also advised to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre - January 4, 2025
