KUCHING: A Telegram message promising lucrative investment returns cost a local woman RM91,000 after the scheme was later exposed as non-existent.
The unfortunate ordeal happened on Jan 11 when the 35-year-old received a message from an unknown individual offering an opportunity to participate in a so-called ‘MGM investment’.
Believing the scheme to be genuine, the woman was instructed to transfer funds into several bank accounts provided by the suspect.
She subsequently transferred RM91,000 via five transactions into five different bank accounts.
The scam unravelled when she failed to withdraw either her investment capital or the profits that had been promised, prompting her to realise she had been cheated.
Kuching Police Chief, ACP Alexson Naga Chabu, said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
Upon conviction, the offence is punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years, caning, and a fine.
In light of this, Alexson advised the public to verify the legitimacy of investment entities through the Securities Commission Malaysia website and to be wary of investment offers that promises unusually high returns.
Those who believe they have fallen victim to scams are urged to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) hotline at 997, and report suspicious activities to the Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) via hotline, message or WhatsApp at 011-62890089 or by email at kjsjkswk@rmp.gov.my.
