SIBU: A retiree in his 60s here has been cheated of RM371,199 in a fraudulent business scheme.
Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Zulkipli Suhaili said police have opened an investigation paper under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
"The victim was introduced to the scheme by an individual known as Matsushita Meidu via WhatsApp.
"On Feb 26, he was encouraged to open online business accounts on the Amazon and TikTok platforms.
"He was promised lucrative returns of 50% profit for the Amazon account, which would be upgraded to five stars, and 25% for the TikTok account," ACP Zulkipli said in a statement on Wednesday (March 19).
Believing the offer to be genuine, the victim proceeded to make multiple money transfers totalling RM371,199 from March 11 to Monday (March 17) into eight different local bank accounts for the supposed purpose of processing customer orders, ACP Zulkipli said.
"However, the victim then found himself unable to process orders because of 'insufficient funds' in both accounts.
"When he attempted to access his accounts, he found them blocked," he said.
When the suspect demanded more money to reactivate them via an e-wallet transfer, the victim realised he had been cheated and lodged a police report, he added.
ACP Zulkipli Suhaili urged the public to be cautious and not fall prey to online business schemes promising high returns.
“Verify the legitimacy of business offers through the relevant company or agency before committing to any investment,” he said.
