SIBU: A civil servant’s dream of doubling her savings quickly turned into a nightmare after losing RM44,000 to an online investment scam that preyed on unsuspecting victims through social media.
The incident happened on Oct 17 when the woman, in her 40s, came across an investment advertisement on Facebook, which promised high returns within a short period.
After expressing interest, she was instructed to fill in her personal and bank details through a link — https.uoagroup.net.person.html.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said believing the investment to be genuine, the woman transferred RM44,000 via six transactions into four different bank accounts.
“The victim realised she had been cheated when she was later asked to pay RM13,000 allegedly to correct an error in her identity card number before she could withdraw her dividends.
“She became suspicious and confided in a friend, who confirmed that she had been scammed,” he said.
The victim reported the incident to the Commercial Crime Investigation Division (CCID) and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
Zulkipli reminded the public to be cautious of investment schemes that offer returns which are too good to be true.
They should verify any investment opportunities through Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) at www.bnm.gov.my and BNM Telelink 1-300-88-5465, or the Securities Commission Malaysia www.sc.com.my or 03-6204899, or by using the Investment Checkers app at https://www.com.my/investment-checkers.
The public may also contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 or verify suspicious bank accounts and phone numbers via http://ccid.mp.gov.my/semakmule/.
