MIRI: A businesswoman here lost over RM280,000 after being lured into a bogus share investment scheme advertised through WhatsApp.
Miri police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the 40-year-old victim was introduced to the scheme by an individual she had only recently met on the messaging platform.
She was later instructed to deal with a man identifying himself as “Mike” using the phone numbers 011-63546990 and 011-21267023.
“Enticed by promises of lucrative returns within a short period, the victim proceeded to transfer RM281,700 via eight transactions into six different bank accounts as instructed by the suspect.
“The victim only realised she had been deceived after the suspect repeatedly gave excuses when she attempted to claim the profits from the investment,” he said.
She reported the incident to the police yesterday (May 6), and investigations are being conducted under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
Mohd Farhan advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling for investment schemes offering unusually high returns in a short time.
He also urged the public to verify suspicious phone numbers and bank accounts through the Semak Mule website or Check Scammers CCID app before carrying out any financial transactions.
Those who have just transferred money to suspected scam accounts are advised to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) hotline at 997.
