JOHOR BARU: An accountant lost over RM138,000 to a fake investment scheme that promised high profits.
Seri Alam OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said a suspect initially convinced the 60-year-old woman that she could earn 20% returns through an online investment scheme in a short period of time.
“Thinking she was making an investment, she withdrew her savings and made two transactions totalling RM138,180 into two different bank accounts on Dec 15 and Dec 22.
“The victim then became suspicious when asked to deposit more money to cash out her earnings,” said ACP Mohd Sohaimi in a statement on Thursday (Jan 1).
He said the victim had not received any of the promised profits and decided to lodge a police report on Wednesday (Dec 31).
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a term of imprisonment of 1 to 10 years, caning, and a fine upon conviction.
ACP Mohd Sohaimi advised the public to be cautious about investment offers and to check with verified sources, such as the Securities Commission Malaysia, or to utilise the Semak Mule portal before making any payments.
Those who fall victim to such crimes are also urged to lodge a report with the National Scam Response Centre at 997 and report to the police for further action.
