KUALA LUMPUR: A 56-year-old woman was duped twice by the same forex investment scam, losing more than RM600,000 in total.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said the victim from Johor Baru, had initially lost US$4,000 (RM18,677) in 2020 after investing in the forex scheme.
"In February (this year), the same company emailed the victim, claiming that they could assist her to recoup her losses.
"She was also enticed by the offer of returns of between 35% and 50%," he told a press conference at the CCID headquarters on Friday (May 17).
Comm Ramli said the victim transferred RM619,390 to seven back accounts to invest in the scheme.
"However, until now, she has not been able to get any of her money back.
"We are investigating under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating," he said.
In another case, a 63-year-old woman in Brickfields, lost about RM1.2mil after being duped in another forex investment scam.
Comm Ramli said the victim saw an online advertisement for the investment scheme and clicked on a link in January.
"She was then contacted by a man claiming to be a chief of the investment scheme before being taught by a trading guru on how to invest.
"She was also instructed to download an application. Enticed by the offer of up to 30% returns, the woman transferred RM1.2mil to the company's bank account in six transactions," he said.
Despite seeing her investment making a profit of RM3.4mil, Comm Ramli said the victim did not manage to withdraw her money.
"She then checked with the Securities Commission (SC) and discovered the investment company was listed under the investor alert list," he said.
Comm Ramli said it was unfortunate that the victim did not check first prior to investing.
"She could have avoided being scammed if she had checked with SC before deciding to invest.
"I urge the public to stay vigilant and avoid being victims of such scams," he said.
Comm Ramli also said that a 63-year-old man in Petaling Jaya lost RM1.73mil due to an investment scam.
"He too was attracted by an online advertisement.
"He invested the sum through bank transfers and did not get his money back," he said.
Comm Ramli urged banks to be aware of such companies, which opened bank accounts with them.
"Sometimes, I am amazed how such big transactions could be made.
"Banks should verify the validity of the companies, which are their customers.
"Nowadays,scammers have evolved from using only individual mule bank accounts to company bank accounts.
"Thus, banks and financial institutions should be more alert before accepting any company as customers," he said.
