Sarawak woman loses over RM100k in cryptocurrency scam

Kong (right) and Miss Chong during a recent meeting.
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By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Nov 7: A Sarawakian woman, identified as Miss Chong (not her real name), recently lost more than RM100,000 of her savings after falling victim to a cryptocurrency investment scam.

In a statement today, Michael Kong Feng Nian, special assistant to Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen, said he has helped Miss Chong to file a police report to document the scam.

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Miss Chong’s ordeal began on Aug 21, when she was contacted on Instagram by an individual using the name “Li Chen.”

Through friendly and persuasive conversations, “Li Chen” convinced Miss Chong to invest in what appeared to be a legitimate cryptocurrency venture, promising high returns.

To build credibility, the scam initially yielded a small payout, which further encouraged Miss Chong to invest larger amounts.

As her investments grew, Miss Chong was asked to pay additional “administrative fees” to access her funds.

Despite transferring substantial sums to cover these fees, she was met with repeated demands for more payments.

When it became clear she would not be able to access her money, she realised she had been deceived, ultimately losing over RM100,000.

Based on the chronology of Miss Chong’s case, Kong highlighted the red flags to watch out for such as unsolicited contact from strangers, promises of high returns with little effort, and requests for additional fees.

“I strongly urge the public to exercise extreme caution when befriending people on the internet, especially when it involves financial matters.

“Do not rely solely on the promises or guidance of individuals you meet online. Instead, consult financial experts or professionals who can provide trustworthy advice,” he stated. — DayakDaily

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