JOHOR BARU: A 70-year-old clothing seller suffered has been cheated of about RM2.1mil after falling victim to an online investment scam.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk M. Kumar said the victim claimed that in November 2024, he was added to a WhatsApp foreign exchange investment group.
"Believing the promise of quick profits, the victim transferred RM2,118,000 into several bank accounts as told between November and early December," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Dec 17).
Comm Kumar added that the victim was also directed to download an app to monitor his "investments".
"Upon checking, the app indicated that his investments had generated a profit of RM6,216,000.
"However, when the victim attempted to liquidate his shares and withdraw the profit, he was unable to do so.
"Realising he had been deceived, the victim reported the incident to the police," he said, adding that the victim lodged the report on Tuesday.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides for imprisonment of not less than one year and up to 10 years, as well as whipping and a fine.
Comm Kumar urged the public to be vigilant and to avoid being easily swayed by investment offers found on social media or other online platforms.
"Anyone can become a victim of scams, regardless of their status or career.
"Therefore, we advise the public to thoroughly verify any investment opportunities with credible authorities such as the police, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission," he said.
He also encouraged the public to stay updated on the latest commercial crime tactics through the Commercial Crime Investigation Department's (CCID) Facebook, Instagram and TikTok platforms.
