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Retired Ipoh doctor loses almost RM4mil in investment scam

Retired Ipoh doctor loses almost RM4mil in investment scam

The Star18 hours ago

IPOH: A retired doctor has lost about RM3.9mil after falling victim to an investment scam.
Perak police chief Comm Datuk Noor Hisam Noordin said the 74-year old was cheated by a female suspect he got to know through his late wife.
He said the victim was tricked into investing in a scheme said to be linked to royalty.
"He was interested because she was his late wife's friend," he said in a statement on Friday (June 13).
Comm Noor Hisam said the victim handed over RM12,000 to the suspect at a bank in Ipoh on Dec 17, 2014.
"Over the years until April 9, 2025, he continued making payments amounting to RM3.9mil in cash and through bank transfers to the suspect's personal account.
"The victim only realised recently he had been deceived as he had never received returns or profits.
"Each time he asked, the suspect gave various excuses," he said, adding that a police report was lodged on June 12.
Comm Noor Hisam said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
He reminded the public not to fall for promises of quick and high returns from unverified investment schemes.

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Advice on various fraud schemes
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Advice on various fraud schemes

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The scammers typically promise quick, high returns. After initial investments and smaller payouts to build trust, the perpetrators disappear once larger sums are transferred. Modus operandi for online investment fraud include: attractive ads on social media, promises of high returns within a short period, requests for deposits to 'activate' accounts, small payouts to build credibility and disappearance after receiving substantial funds. Police advise the public to verify the legitimacy of investment platforms with the Securities Commission of Malaysia, avoid schemes promising unrealistic returns, and refrain from paying upfront fees. Another concerning trend is the 'Bomoh Scam', in which self-proclaimed shamans offer mystical solutions to personal or family problems. Victims are asked to pay for spiritual services or materials, but no real help is provided. Scammers typically target individuals facing emotional or financial distress, demand high fees for rituals or mystical objects and exploit victims' desperation with false promises. Authorities recommend seeking assistance from licensed counselors or certified religious advisers, and avoiding individuals who charge exorbitant fees for supernatural services. Non-existent loan scams are also on the rise. Victims encounter social media ads for easy personal loans with no collateral. After agreeing, they are told to pay a 'processing fee' — but the loan never materialises. Typical tactics include promises of quick loan approval, requests for upfront payment and use of fake documentation to appear legitimate. The public is urged to verify the lender's legitimacy with Bank Negara Malaysia and to avoid paying fees before receiving any disbursement. E-commerce fraud continues to affect online shoppers. Victims often attempt to purchase items such as smartphones from unofficial websites offering below-market prices. Once payment is made, the product never arrives, and the seller becomes uncontactable. Police advise the public to use trusted e-commerce platforms with buyer protection (e.g., Shopee, Lazada) and avoid transactions outside of official channels Phone scams remain another major concern. In these cases, scammers impersonate government or bank officials, claiming there has been suspicious activity involving the victim's credit card. Victims are then tricked into providing banking details, leading to loss of funds. Scam characteristics include calls from individuals posing as police, bank, or tax officers, claims of criminal involvement or financial irregularities and requests for personal banking details or TAC codes. Authorities urge the public to never share sensitive information over the phone and to directly contact the relevant agencies for verification. In another type of fraud, scammers pose as friends by sending WhatsApp messages from unknown numbers claiming to be an old friend in an emergency. Believing the story, victims often transfer money before realizing it was a scam. To avoid falling victim, individuals are encouraged to verify the identity of the sender using their original contact and not respond to emotional pleas without confirmation. Police have also reported cases involving account rentals, where individuals are offered payment to allow third parties to use their bank accounts. These accounts are often used in illegal activities such as money laundering or scams. The original account holder may be held liable during investigations. Warning signs include offers of money in exchange for account access, requests to receive or transfer funds for others and legal consequences for enabling financial crimes. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) advises the public never to rent out their bank accounts and to report such offers immediately. Victims of any commercial fraud are encouraged to lodge a report at the nearest police station, contact Bank Negara Malaysia if financial transactions are involved, and check suspected accounts through the PDRM's Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) portal. Authorities stress the importance of public awareness and due diligence in preventing further victimisation. All forms of commercial fraud are prosecutable under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

Man gets 21 years' jail, 12 rotan strokes for raping stepdaughter in Sabah
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Man gets 21 years' jail, 12 rotan strokes for raping stepdaughter in Sabah

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