Padawan retiree loses RM500,000 in online investment scam
KUCHING (July 8): A retiree in his 70s from Padawan lost approximately RM500,000 after falling victim to an online investment scam involving a fake financial company.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata confirmed that the local man lodged a police report after realising he had been duped by a scheme linked to a company known as HIFA (Himin International Finance Academy).
The incident began in mid-March, when the victim came across an online advertisement claiming to offer free investment courses.
'Enticed by the offer, the victim submitted his personal details via a link provided in the advertisement. He was subsequently contacted by an unknown individual, who then added him to a WhatsApp group named 'Homin International Finance Academic'.
'The suspect, who acted as the administrator of the group, instructed the victim to download an app called 'PHCview' as part of the investment process,' he said.
Trusting the scheme, Mancha said the victim proceeded to make several money transfers in stages to bank accounts provided by the suspect, totalling around RM500,000.
The scam only came to light when the victim came across a newspaper article describing similar fraudulent investment tactics.
By the time he lodged a police report, the victim had yet to receive any of the promised returns.
Mancha then reminded the public not to easily trust investment offers advertised on social media platforms.
Authorities strongly encourage conducting proper background checks before committing to any form of investment.
'To verify the legitimacy of financial companies and websites, the public is urged to visit www.bnm.gov.my or call BNM TELELINK at 1-300-88-5465 (Bank Negara Malaysia); visit www.sc.com.my or call 03-6204 8999 (Securities Commission Malaysia).
'Individuals who suspect they've fallen victim to cybercrime—including phone scams, love scams, e-commerce fraud, or bogus loans—should immediately contact the National Scam Response Center (NSRC) at 997 if they have just completed a fund transfer to the scammer's account or e-wallet,' he said.
The police also recommended additional tools and platforms, such as the Whoscall mobile application, Investment Checker via https://www.sc.com.my/investment-checker; or Check Scammers CCID app or the website http://semakmule.rmp.gov.my for verifying suspect phone numbers or bank accounts. crime Mancha Ata online scam senior citizen
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