IPOH: A diving instructor has lost about RM304,000 after falling victim to a scam last September.
Acting Perak police chief Deputy Comm Zulkafli Sariaat said the 32-year-old victim had been drawn to an investment scheme that was advertised on Facebook on Sept 11, 2024.
"The victim clicked on a link provided by the suspect.
"She was then added to a WhatsApp group and was asked to download an AE online app, which would allow her to trade shares," he said in a statement on Saturday (Jan 18).
"The victim made 14 transactions to two different bank accounts, amounting to RM304,422," he added.
DCP Zulkafli said the victim lost her savings as well as loans from family members and friends.
"Initial investigations found that there was a return of RM7,960 to the victim's bank account.
"After failing to get the returns for another transaction, she tried to contact the suspect but to no avail," he said.
"The victim did a check and found that the investment scheme does not exist," he added.
DCP Zulkafli said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
"The public is urged to always question the legitimacy of the information provided for such investment schemes.
"Terms used like guarantee, high returns with little or no risk, seminar or free advice, are most often scams," he added.