MIRI: A retiree was left devastated after losing RM1.5 million to a fraudulent investment scheme promising quick and lucrative returns.
The male 40-something victim was lured into the non-existent investment plan in March after being approached online by a supposed agent from a company calling itself Freemen Securities Ltd.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said the victim had communicated with the suspect through WhatsApp, where he was convinced of the legitimacy of the scheme and its promise of rapid profits.
“Blinded by high and fast returns, the victim transferred a total of RM1.5 million in stages to multiple bank accounts given by the suspect.
“The scam unravelled when the victim could no longer access the so-called investment platform.
“Making matters worse, the suspect demanded another payment just to withdraw the supposed profits,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
Mancha has since reminded the public to be vigilant and to treat any ‘too good to be true’ investment scheme with extreme caution.
“They should verify the legitimacy of such schemes with Bank Negara Malaysia via http://www.bnm.gov.my or BNMTELELINK at 1-300-88-5465, and the Securities Commission Malaysia at http://www.sc.com.my or 03-6204 8999,” he said.
Background checks can also be done through the SC Investment Checker app or at https://www.sc.com.my/investment-checker.
For further assistance or to report scams, the public can contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 and follow @CyberCrimeAlertRMP and @JSJKPDRM on Facebook for the latest update on scams.
