By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, June 14: A 61-year-old woman in Miri lost RM371,983.67 after falling victim to a non-existent stock investment scam that she discovered through Facebook.
Miri district police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the Commercial Crime Investigation Division (CCID) of Miri police headquarters received a report on the case on June 13.
According to him, the local woman came across an investment advertisement on Facebook and clicked on a link provided before communicating with individuals claiming to be investment agents via the telephone numbers 010-8015954 and 014-6071732.
“The victim was attracted by the investment scheme which promised high returns within a short period of time.
“She subsequently made 15 money transfers amounting to RM400,883.67 into four different bank accounts,” he said in a statement.
Mohd Farhan said the victim managed to withdraw only RM28,900 in purported profits from the investment scheme.
The scam came to light when the suspects began giving various excuses whenever the victim attempted to claim further returns from the investment.
Realising she had been deceived, the woman lodged a police report.
Police are investigating the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a jail term of between one and 10 years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.
Members of the public with information related to the case may contact investigating officer Insp Tasman Hukman at 014-8618690.
Meanwhile, Mohd Farhan advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid being easily persuaded by investment advertisements promising unusually high profits within a short period.
He urged prospective investors to verify the legitimacy of investment schemes through the financial consumer alert list maintained by Bank Negara Malaysia and the investor alert list issued by the Securities Commission Malaysia before committing any funds.
He also encouraged victims of cyber scams who have just made fund transfers to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) via the 997 hotline immediately.
In addition, the public can check suspicious phone numbers and bank accounts through the Semak Mule portal before conducting any financial transactions.
“Always conduct proper checks before investing and do not be swayed by promises of quick and lucrative returns,” he stressed. — DayakDaily
