SIBU: A university student lost a total of RM100,400 after falling victim to a non-existent online investment scheme promoted on social media.
The student, in his 20s, came across an advertisement for the investment scheme on Facebook on May 1, and made a total of seven transactions to five different local bank accounts using borrowed money from friends and aunt.
The advertisement promised high returns within a short period, which prompted the student to express his interest by submitting his phone number through the link provided.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, who confirmed the case, said not long after, the student was contacted via WhatsApp by an unknown number and was added to a WhatsApp group called ‘HIFA Homin International Finance Academic’.
He said within the group, the admin gave step-by-step guidance on how to invest and shared testimonials and screenshots claiming profits made by previous investors.
“However, the student never received any returns and only realised he had been scammed.
“The student began to suspect something was amiss when the latter’s aunt questioned the investment after he requested a loan from her,” he said in a statement.
He added that the student had then lodged a police report on Jun 18 after realising the latter had been duped by the fraudulent investment.
Police have opened an investigation paper under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Meanwhile, the public should remain cautious of any investment schemes that promise high returns and to verify the legitimacy of companies or websites through official channels such as Bank Negara Malaysia (www.bnm.gov.mywww.bnm.gov.my / BNM TELELINK: 1-300-88-5465) or the Securities Commission Malaysia (www.sc.com.my / 03-6204 8999).
Checks on individuals or investment companies can also be done using the Investment Checkers app or at https://www.com.my/investment-checkers.
For further advice or to report suspicious activity, contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) via 997, follow the CyberCrimeAlertRMP Facebook page or visit http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule/ to verify bank accounts and phone numbers.
