SIBU: The public has been told to seek expert advice before investing in companies to avoid falling prey to scams.
"To avoid loss and scams, the public are reminded that if in doubt about the legality or the operations of the company, it is wise to seek advice from the police’s commercial crime department and Bank Negara.
“Also, sometimes police may not be sure whether they are scams or not unless police reports are lodged by those who had been cheated," said Parti Bumi Kenyalang president Voon Lee Shan in a statement on Wednesday (March 8).
He said that even though a company is registered under the Companies Act, one should be wary about investment scams that promise extraordinary returns in a short period of time.
Voon warned that there is a company operating in Sarawak asking for investments in the form of membership fee, whereby members are entitled to welfare benefits.
“To become a member, one has to make a certain amount of deposit in euros.
"Certificates were issued and many received monies for medical treatment and for funeral expenses.
“To entice the public to sign up, the company also featured in its brochure photos of celebrities, business people and politicians who ‘participated’ in the company's business.
“Initially, it looked genuine and the investors were happy. However, they were required to invest in property development where they were promised dividends after selling the property.
But until now, they didn’t receive any returns,” said Voon, adding that some victims who approached him were from Sabah, Indonesia and Brunei.
