SIBU: A businessman in his 40s lost RM135,000 after falling victim to an online investment scam.
Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Zulkipli Suhaili said the Commercial Crime Investigation Division received a police report from the victim on Saturday (Sept 13) regarding the incident.
"The victim was first contacted through WhatsApp by a woman on June 18. She offered him a share investment scheme which promised a return of RM4.20 for each investment unit," ACP Zulkipli said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 14).
The man was instructed to download an application before being added to a WhatsApp group, which allegedly displayed proof of investment profits.
“The suspect told the victim that after making an initial investment, he would receive a profit of RM42,000. Enticed by the promised profits, the victim proceeded to invest and made payments into the account provided by the suspect,” he added.
The victim made 18 separate transactions totalling RM135,000 into a local bank account from Sept 4 to Sept 9.
However, when he attempted to withdraw his profit, he was unable to do so and was instead asked to make further investments.
Realising he had been cheated, the victim lodged a police report.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
