From scheme to scam: Salesman loses RM54,800 in bogus investment opportunity

SIBU: A 40-year-old salesman has lost RM54,800 in an investment scam, police say.

Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) chief Supt Maria Rasid said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 13) that the victim came across an advertisement for an investment scheme while browsing Facebook on Aug 24.

The "Happybuy003" scheme reportedly offered a lucrative return of 10% and the man left a message to indicate his interest, she added.

"Two days later, he received a message through WhatsApp from a man who identified himself as Jason," she said.

The suspect offered the victim an opportunity to invest in the scheme by giving him a link to a website.

"When he visited the website, the victim found that the page looked similar to a Shopee account," she added.

The victim unsuspectingly made 26 bank transfers totalling RM54,800 between Aug 28 and Oct 1 to the accounts of three different companies, she said.

Supt Maria said the victim subsequently felt cheated as he did not receive the promised returns, nor could he recover his capital.

The victim then lodged a police report on Tuesday (Oct 12).

"The community is reminded to always be alert (when it comes to) investment opportunities offered on social media platforms. The people are also advised to deal only with individuals or entities licensed or registered with the Malaysian Securities Commission (SC)," she said.

She advised anyone with concerns about potential investments to visit https://www.sc.com.my/investoralert or contact the SC at 03-62048999 or via e-mail at [e-mail].

They are also reminded to check the account and telephone numbers of the company offering investments on the website http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule/.

Other avenues are the CCID Scam Response Centre via 03-2610 1559 and 03-2610 1599 for any complaints; or for advice, the CCID Inforline at 013-211 1222.