SIBU: A local man in his late 40s lost RM120,000 after falling victim to a non-existent online investment scheme earlier this year.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said the man, who works as a manual labourer, came across the fraudulent scheme in mid-March while browsing the internet at home.
He was enticed by the investment offer promoted by a company calling itself Silvercape Capital Sdn Bhd.
“Keen on the scheme, he contacted an individual claiming to be an agent of the company,” he said in a statement today.
He added that the scammer then guided the victim on how to begin investing and shortly after, told him that he had gained a significant profit within just a few days.
“However, when the victim attempted to withdraw the so-called earnings, he was told that he needed to make additional payments.
“Still believing the scheme was legitimate, the victim later communicated with another unknown individual who claimed to be a representative of a government body called Global Anti Scam, supposedly to help him recover his money,” he added.
The victim was again duped into making several more online transactions into a bank account provided by the suspect under the guise of processing his refund.
By the time he lodged a police report, the victim had made multiple transfers amounting to RM120,000 — with neither profits nor refunds in sight.
Police have opened an investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Members of the public are reminded to verify the legitimacy of any investment schemes, particularly those advertised online, and to be cautious of unsolicited offers that promise quick returns.
