KULAI: A system programmer lost over RM219,300 after falling victim to an online investment scheme that promised ludicrous returns.
Kulai OCPD Asst Comm Tan Seng Lee said the 45-year-old local female victim was attracted by an investment offering returns of 10% to 20% within 24 hours.
“The suspect claimed that the profits would be credited to an investment application owned by the victim.
“The victim, who was convinced by the offer, made nine payment transactions totalling RM219,320 into three local bank accounts between Feb 9 and Feb 12,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Feb 15).
He added that the victim later checked her investment account and saw that her profits were listed as RM336,544.
“However, when she attempted to withdraw funds from her account, she found that her account had been blocked.
“After realising that she had been scammed, the victim lodged a police report on Saturday (Feb 14),” he said.
ACP Tan said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating by false investment.
“If convicted, the suspect could face imprisonment of not less than one year and not more than 10 years, whipping and may also be fined.
“I urge and advise the public not to be easily deceived by investment schemes promising unusually high returns in a short period.
“The public is also encouraged to use online services provided by the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), such as the National Scam Response Centre, CCID Infoline, Semak Mule and to follow updates on commercial crime modus operandi via our official Facebook page,” he said.
