PADAWAN: A senior citizen lost approximately RM150,000 after falling victim to a non-existent online investment scheme promoted via social media.
Sarawak Police Commissioner, Datuk Mancha Ata, said the victim, a local man in his 60s working as a salesman in Padawan, came across an investment advertisement on Facebook around mid-March this year.
“The advertisement promised high returns within a short period.
“Attracted by the offer, the victim contacted an individual claiming to be an investment administrator through WhatsApp,” Mancha said in a statement today.
The suspect then allegedly guided the victim on how to invest and provided bank account details for the transactions.
“The victim made several money transfers in stages, amounting to about RM150,000,” Mancha said.
He added that the victim only realised he had been duped after failing to withdraw his promised commission.
Upon further checks, he discovered that the investment company did not exist.
Police have opened an investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
