By Balqis Jazimah Zahari
Photo Social media
IPOH: An elderly trader suffered losses exceeding RM6 million after falling victim to a non-existent investment scheme through social media. The Perak Police Chief, Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, stated that they received a report from a 61-year-old female trader from Taman Rasi Jaya regarding a fraudulent investment case.
“The suspect deceived the victim through Facebook and WhatsApp to join a gold investment scheme. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code,” he said in a statement.
Mohd Yusri explained that the police investigation revealed that on October 14, 2023, the victim, at home, accessed an investment blog on Facebook by clicking a link to the suspect’s phone number on WhatsApp.
“Then, the suspect added the victim’s phone number to various WhatsApp groups for the purpose of investing in the gold market.
“Since then, the victim deposited funds 32 times into 11 different bank accounts, totaling RM6,220,000,” he said.
He said, however, when the victim wanted to withdraw an investment amount of RM2,200,000 and the suspect did not respond, and the investment platform became inaccessible, only then did the victim realize that she had been deceived by the suspect.
“In connection with that, once again, the Perak Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) would like to warn the public to always be cautious of investment offers on social media platforms
“Especially through schemes on Facebook that are not approved by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) or the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC),” he said.
He urged the public to contact the National Scam Response Center (NSRC) at 997 if they are victims of non-existent investment fraud.
For inquiries about fraud crimes, people can contact the CCID infoline at 013-2111222 (WhatsApp only, operating hours 8 am-8 pm).
For further information on current fraud crime trends, the public also can visit: www.facebook.com/jsjkpdrm or www.facebook.com/cybercrimealertrmp.
Additionally, individuals can check bank accounts and phone numbers involved in fraud cases at https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my.
