JOHOR BARU: A technician invested in a scheme that promised a return of 20 per cent, but ended up being swindled out of RM167,147.75 instead, police said.
The 36-year-old man, who lodged a police report yesterday, claimed he was introduced to the scheme by a person he met on Facebook.
He was instructed to click on a link and create an account on an online shopping platform, district police chief Superintendent Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said in Seri Alam, here today.
His role was to place customers' orders and make payments upfront, said Sohaimi.
The man made 21 online cash transfers to 14 bank accounts between April 29 and June 23 to pay for the items that were ordered by 'customers'.
His 'friend' assured him that he would be reimbursed and also receive a 20 per cent commission on each purchase.
When he attempted to withdraw his profits, he found that access to the website was blocked.
Police are identifying the 14 bank account holders and will establish if they are in cahoots with the scammers, said Sohaimi.