MIRI: An Instagram investment scam has cost a local woman nearly half a million ringgit after she was lured by promises of quick and lucrative returns.
The 48-year-old had encountered an investment advertisement on Instagram before clicking on a link that connected her to an individual identifying himself as “Han Zhi Hai”, who used a phone number with a +852-country code.
She was pulled into the investment scheme due to the prospect of high profits within a short timeframe.
The victim later transferred RM485,832 into 12 different bank accounts via 14 transactions.
However, doubts only arose when the suspect began offering repeated excuses when she attempted to withdraw the promised returns, leading her to realise she had been scammed.
Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the woman reported the incident to the Commercial Crime Investigation Division (CCID) on Wednesday.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
In light of this, he reminded the public to exercise caution and not be easily enticed by investment offers that guarantee high returns in a short period.
They are also advised to verify the legitimacy of investment schemes through Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission Malaysia via their official alert lists.
Victims of cyber scams are encouraged to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997, particularly if a financial transaction has just been made.
Members of the public can also check suspicious phone numbers and bank accounts through the CCID’s Semak Mule website before proceeding with any transactions.
