KEPALA BATAS: A businessman lost RM181,209.35 to a fake investment scam last Thursday.
Seberang Prai Utara police chief Assistant Commissioner Noorzainy Mohd Noor said the 48-year-old victim was attracted to an investment advertisement in social media which promised handsome returns in a short time.
Prior to that, the victim had received a WeChat message about the investment advertisement.
The victim then contacted the number given and spoke to a woman, supposedly from Hong Kong, who claimed to be an agent of the People Global Premium Investment, who offered the investment.
“The victim initially agreed to invest RM146,876.20 only but was further influenced to increase the investment to RM181,209.35. He was promised a handsome return within two months with his investment money.
“The victim conducted 22 cash deposit transfers in two banks in Butterworth.
“The victim was asked to bank in more money. He disagreed and felt cheated after the so-called agent gave all sorts of reasons when he asked about the returns,” he said today.
Noorzainy said the case is investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
In a separate incident, a Grab driver, 29, lost RM18,980 after he too fell victim to a similar investment scam.
Noorzainy said the victim received a WhatsApp message last Thursday on the investment, which also promised good returns within a short time.
The victim contacted the number given and spoke to a woman, who claimed to be an agent of the People Global Premium Investment.
He said the victim then agreed to make an initial investment of RM500 but was further influenced to increase the investment to RM18,980.
The victim was promised to get returns within two days along with the investment money,
“The victim then conducted four cash deposit transfers in banks in Butterworth.
“The victim transferred RM18,980 into a local bank account. He was asked for more money, which he refused as he felt cheated.” he added.