IPOH: A company supervisor in Hilir Perak lost nearly RM144,000 after falling victim to a bogus share investment scheme advertised on social media.
Perak Police Chief Comm Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said the victim lodged a report at the Hilir Perak district police headquarters on Wednesday (Nov 4) after realising he had been duped out of RM143,599.90.
"The victim was duped into making multiple money transfers to several bank accounts provided by the suspect," Comm Mohd Alwi said in a statement on Thursday (Nov 5). "He was also instructed to download a specific mobile application that displayed substantial investment profits."
However, the victim realised he had been scammed when he was blocked from withdrawing both his principal capital and the supposed earnings displayed on the app.
Comm Mohd Alwi said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
The police reminded the public to remain vigilant against investment schemes promising quick, high returns via social media or messaging platforms.
"The public should verify company backgrounds and licensing statuses through the Securities Commission Malaysia," Comm Mohd Alwi advised. "Bank account and phone numbers can also be cross-checked using the police's Semak Mule portal at semakmule.gov.my before making any financial transfers."
He urged the public never to risk retirement savings, asset sale proceeds, or essential family funds on unverified schemes.
Scam victims are urged to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) hotline at 997 before filing a police report.
