KLUANG: An assistant manager at an oil palm plantation lost RM185,500 after being enticed by a stock investment in China that promised returns of up to 400 per cent.
Kluang district police chief Assistant Commissioner Bahrin Mohd Noh said that the 59-year-old victim discovered the investment advertisement on Facebook and was then connected to the suspect via WhatsApp.
"Kluang Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) received a police report on June 16 regarding an online investment fraud case through the Facebook application. On April 25, the victim clicked on a link on Facebook and was redirected to WhatsApp," he said.
The victim contacted the suspect and expressed interest in the investment.
"The victim received instructions and all necessary information through WhatsApp only," Bahrin explained.
The victim proceeded to make 13 money transactions to six different bank accounts from April 26 to June 6.
However, after not receiving any returns and being asked for an additional RM160,000, the victim realised he had been deceived and refused to make further payments.
The police have initiated an investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which, upon conviction, can result in up to 10 years in prison, whipping, or a fine.
"We urge the public to exercise caution, especially in online dealings, and not to fall for offers that seem too good to be true. Before making any transactions, it is advisable to verify the phone numbers and bank accounts used by suspects through the SemakMule application provided by the CCID," advised Bahrin.