Middle-aged Sibu man fleeced of RM88,233 by bogus online investment
SIBU (July 17): A man in his 50s here lost RM88,233 of his hard-earned savings after falling victim to a bogus online investment scheme.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the victim lodged a report yesterday after realising he had been duped.
'The victim was added to a WhatsApp group named 'Group VIP' on April 11.
'In the group, a woman identified as 'Ruth Khoo' invited him to join a so-called lucrative stock investment opportunity,' he said in a statement today.
Lured by the convincing discussions within the group, the man proceeded to make six deposits amounting to RM88,233 into three different local bank accounts.
'After his first transfer, he was told he had already made a profit.
'However, he was then asked to make additional payment, supposedly for taxes to Bank Negara Malaysia and the government in order to withdraw his returns,' said Zulkipli.
The man never received any profit from the scheme.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Zulkipli reminded members of the public to be vigilant and verify the legitimacy of any investment offer before parting with their money.
'We urge the public to check with official platforms such as the Bank Negara Malaysia website, the Securities Commission, or use the Investment Checker app,' he said.
For further assistance or advice, contact the National Scam Response Centre on 997 or visit Semak Mule at http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule. lead online investment scam Zulkipli Suhaili
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