JOHOR BARU: Two individuals here have lost more than RM2.4mil to scammers, says Johor acting police chief Deputy Comm M. Kumar.
He added that the two victims, both locals, lodged reports with the police on Saturday (Dec 9).
DCP Kumar said in the first case, a 44-year-old manager said he came across a cryptocurrency investment offer on Facebook.
"The victim started communicating with the suspect via WhatsApp and was told to download an app to monitor his investments," he said on Monday (Dec 11).
DCP Kumar added that the victim, attracted by the promised returns, made "investments" amounting to more than RM1mil to several bank accounts as instructed by the suspect.
He said the victim later realised he had been deceived after he could not withdraw his profits nor access the app.
In the second case, DCP Kumar said a 45-year-old businesswoman was contacted by scammers posing as a delivery company and told the victim had a package addressed to her which contained illicit items.
"The victim then was connected to two individuals claiming to be police officers, who said there was an arrest warrant out for her, but they would be able to help.
"Out of fear, the victim followed the suspects' instructions, which included transferring funds of over RM1.4mil," he said, adding that she eventually realised she had been duped.
DCP Kumar said that the public should get the latest information on scams via the police commercial crime department website or its social media platforms.
He said those who have fallen victim to scammers should immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre at 997.
