Plumber loses over RM100,000 to investment scam in Sibu

SIBU: A plumber's hope of getting big returns from an investment ended with him losing RM106,300 to an investment scam.

Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Zulkipli Suhaili said the 50-year-old victim was cheated by a syndicate who promised him a return of 50% from the investment.

The victim got to know of the scheme in December 2021 via social media.

"Believing that it was a genuine investment scheme, the victim made 28 bank transfers from Dec 19, 2021 to July 4, 2022 totalling RM106,300 to 10 bank accounts provided by the syndicate.

"After that he was told that he could get RM800,000 from the investment," he said.

However, up to Jan 2 this year, the promised return was never remitted to him.

Realising that he had been cheated, he made a police report.

"The money was from him saving to buy a car. He had also borrowed from friends and family members," said ACP Zulkipli.

ACP Zulkipli advised people to be careful of any investment advertised on social media.

"As a precautionary measure, people are advised to check first before making any investment online to avoid being a scam victim.

"In addition, the people are advised to be careful of any offer of high profit or return and check the status of any investment with Bank Negara Malaysia first so as not to be deceived," he said.

Additionally, the public can always refer to the National Scam Response Center (NSRC) at 997 or CCID Scam Response Center at 03- 26101559 / 03-26101599 and follow the Facebook pages of @CyberCrimeAlertRMP @JSJKPDRM. Also, check suspicious bank accounts and phone numbers through the website http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule.