SARATOK: A woman from Pasir Gudang, Johor, has been arrested after her bank account was linked to a Facebook investment scam that wiped out nearly a quarter-million ringgit from a teacher’s savings.
The incident happened on Nov 17 when the 30-year-old female victim from Sibu was lured by an investment advertisement on Facebook, which promised lucrative returns.
Saratok police chief DSP Mathew Manggai said she clicked the link and was quickly drawn into a WhatsApp conversation before being added into an active investment group chat.
“The woman then transferred RM249,800 via 10 transactions into multiple recipients — all made through her account except for one via a cash deposit machine.
“However, truth came to light when the “returns” never came.
“Realising something was wrong, she attempted to salvage her savings and managed to withdraw RM30,000 — but by then, the bulk of her money was gone,” he said.
Mathew added that investigations led them to the 39-year-old suspect, listed as the owner of one of the bank accounts used in the scam.
During questioning, the suspect claimed she had handed over her bank card, PIN and full banking details to unknown individuals after responding to a Facebook loan advertisement.
She insisted she had no idea her account would be used for fraud.
The suspect is expected to be charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code at Saratok Magistrates’ Court on Dec 22.
