SIBU: Drawn by the promise of quick profits, a mechanic poured his savings into what he believed was a part-time business — only to lose RM317,048 to scammers.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Jun 13 when the victim, in his 40s, befriended a woman on Facebook.
She had offered him a part-time business deal involving the purchase and resale of women’s jewellery for a 10 per cent commission through a website identified as Jin Bao Fufc.vip/inc.
Convinced by the offer, the man initially used the suspect’s ID account before being taught to open his own account.
Between Jun 13 and Jul 28, the victim made 21 transactions to 10 different bank accounts totaling RM317,048.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the victim was promised profit and withdrawal access through the website but later found himself unable to log in and could not reach the operators.
“He lodged a police report on Aug 24 after realising he had been cheated.
“The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property,” he said.
He warned the public not to fall for advertisements on social media that promise lucrative returns, especially on Facebook, WhatsApp, and WeChat.
“Do not make any upfront payments and always verify business entities through the Companies Commission of Malaysia’s Online Business Alert (SSM OBA) portal,” he said.
For advice or more information, the public can contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997, follow @CyberCrimeAlertRMP and @JSJKPDRM on Facebook, or verify suspicious bank accounts and phone numbers via ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule.
