‘Boyfriend’ cheats businesswoman out of RM385,000

MUAR: A local businesswoman claims she was cheated of RM385,000 by a foreigner who lured her into an investment scam through an online romance.

Muar OCPD Asst Comm Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said the 50-year-old victim befriended a man purportedly from China on social media and began an online romantic relationship with him.

“The suspect, claiming to be a computer engineer, then offered her an investment scheme and claimed to be able to generate 50% in profits,” he said in a statement yesterday.

ACP Raiz Mukhliz said from June 27 to July 10, the victim made 12 transactions to two bank accounts registered under a company.

He said the investment platform showed the victim a profit of RM600,000 but when she wanted to withdraw the money, the suspect directed her to deposit a further RM100,000.

“She refused and tried to contact the suspect several times but failed,” added ACP Raiz Mukhliz.

He said the victim then lodged a police report on Thursday.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.

ACP Raiz Mukhliz reminded the public to be vigilant, especially in matters involving financial transactions and dealings with unknown individuals.

Scam victims are advised to report incidents to the National Scam Response Centre at 997.