KUALA LUMPUR: A 58-year-old insurance agent has lost RM1.58mil to an investment scam.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said the woman lodged a police report on the matter in George Town, Penang on Feb 28.
"She claimed she met a man named Goh through WhatsApp in November last year.
"The suspect then asked her to join an investment scheme with connections to gambling activities in Singapore," he said when contacted on Thursday (March 6).
Comm Ramli said the victim downloaded an investment application, which was recommended by the suspect and proceeded to register an investment account.
"She was then contacted by another individual who asked her to make payments to begin her investment.
"She ended up performing 27 transactions to six bank accounts belonging to different companies between Dec 19 and Feb 20, amounting to RM1.58mil," he said.
Comm Ramli said most of the funds transferred were derived from bank loans and charges to four different credit cards.
"She also borrowed money from her friends while some amount was from her savings," he added.
Comm Ramli said the victim realised she was duped after failing to get any returns on her investments.
"She was even asked to make additional payments just to withdraw her returns.
"We are investigating under Section 420 of the Penal Code," he said.
