JOHOR BARU: A retired teacher has lost RM467,237 to scammers operating a investment scam and fake legal services.
Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Raub Selamat said the 60-year-old woman came across an advertisement of an investment company on Facebook on June 17, 2025.
“The victim was attracted to the 94% profit promised within a day as advertised,’’ ACP Raub said in a statement.
The victim, he said, contacted the suspect and was added to a WhatsApp group and was taught how to start trading shares.
ACP Raub said the victim made 20 transactions to different bank accounts from June 17 to June 26, 2025, amounting to RM 286,377.
“The victim was directed to make additional payments when she wanted to withdraw the profits,’’ he said.
Unable to withdraw the profits the victim sought assistance from a legal firm from an advertisement on Facebook.
She then contacted an individual who claimed to be the representative of the “Benjamin Lee & Co” legal firm.
“The victim was taught on how to recover the profits but had to pay RM180,900 as legal fees,’’ he said, adding the victim made seven transactions into seven different banks from July 4 to Aug 2, 2025.
He said the victim only realised she was cheated when asked to bank in more money.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
ACP Raub reminded the public to be alert and careful especially in matters involving financial transactions or job offers when dealing with unknown persons.
The public can go to Semak Mule, CCID Scam Response Centre at 03-26101559 or 03-26101599. Scam victims are advised to call the National Scam Response Centre at 997 to report their case.
