BATU PAHAT: A lecturer at a public higher learning institution claimed to have lost RM304,427.46 after she was duped into joining a non-existent online investment scheme.
Batu Pahat OCPD Asst Comm Shahrulanuar Mushaddat Abdullah Sani said the 50-year-old woman was attracted by the promise of high returns after seeing an advertisement on Facebook on Jan 10.
He said the victim then messaged an unidentified individual via WhatsApp, who persuaded her to join the scheme.
Shahrulanuar said she deposited money into 12 different bank accounts between Jan 19 and Feb 14, amounting to RM304,427.46.
He said the victim only realised she had been cheated after she failed to withdraw profits of RM116,069.50 as her investment account was blocked.
“She then lodged a police report,” he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
Section 420 covers cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, and carries a jail term of between one and 10 years, whipping and a possible fine, upon conviction.
He reminded the public to be alert and cautious in financial transactions, especially when dealing with unknown persons.
The public can also check mule accounts via Semak Mule, contact the Commercial Crime Investigation Department Scam Response Centre at 03-2610 1599, or refer to the police’s official social media channels.
Scam victims are advised to call the National Scam Response Centre at 997 to report their case.
