SIBU: A young local engineer lost RM247,000 after falling prey to an online investment scheme that turned out to be non-existent.
Sibu Police Chief, ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, said the victim, who is in his 20s, had been enticed by a Facebook advertisement using the name ‘Moomoo Malaysia’ before clicking on the link and eventually engaging with individuals posing as investment agents.
“He was later added into a WhatsApp group called ‘New Dream Voyage 5’, where members claimed to offer guidance on stock investments.
“The victim was also instructed to download a suspicious application known as ‘WHGroup’, which falsely purported to be linked to Windsor Heritage Capital and Nexi Speak Global,” Zulkipli said in his statement.
Throughout the entire process, Zulkipli said, the victim was never given any official documents or written agreements.
All communication was conducted solely via WhatsApp.
Between October 20 and 9 November, the victim made 15 separate transactions to a local bank account, amounting to RM247,000.
He received a one-time “return” of RM28,000, believed to be an attempt to gain his trust.
“After that, the victim was unable to withdraw any purported profits and was instead asked to invest an additional RM250,000. Feeling suspicious, he realised he had been duped and lodged a police report,” Zulkipli said.
He added that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Police advise the public to remain cautious of investment schemes offering unusually high returns, and to always verify companies or websites through Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission.
Checks can also be made using the Investment Checker and Semak Mule platforms.
For assistance or information related to scam activities, the public may contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997.
