(Miri, 28th) – A 69-year-old local man fell for an investment scam that does not exist after believing an investment advertisement on social media. Within about a month and a half, he made 48 transfers totaling RM367,300 into 3 different bank accounts, ultimately losing everything.
Miri District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Lee Bing Chiang stated in a press release that the Miri Commercial Crime Investigation Unit received the report on July 27.
He said that the victim saw the investment ad on social media, clicked the link, and got in touch with someone claiming to be an investment agent. The person used the phone number 011-74389532 to communicate with the victim.
Believing the investment plan would generate high returns in a short period, the victim transferred a total of RM367,300 in 48 separate transactions from June 9 to July 20 into three different bank accounts.
“When the victim tried to withdraw the investment profits, the suspect kept making excuses to delay. Only then did the victim realize he had been scammed and reported the matter to the police.”
Police are currently investigating the case under **Section 420 of the Penal Code (Cheating)**. Upon conviction, the offender can be sentenced to imprisonment for not less than one year and not more than ten years, and may also be subject to whipping and a fine.
The police urge anyone with information to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Tasman bin Hukman, at 014-8618690 to provide leads.
The police also remind the public to be vigilant and not to trust any investment plans that claim to offer high returns in a short period. Before investing, always verify with Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission to check if the investment is legal.
Additionally, if the public suspects they have been scammed after making a transfer, they should immediately call 997 to contact the National Scam Response Center (NSRC) to increase the chances of intercepting the funds.
Police also advise the public to use the Semak Mule platform or CCID Check Scammers to verify suspicious phone numbers and bank account details before conducting any financial transactions, in order to reduce the risk of falling victim.