Bentong smallholder loses RM240,000 in online scam
KUANTAN: A smallholder in Bentong lost nearly RM240,000 to a bogus online investment scheme, becoming among the latest victim in a growing wave of digital financial scams.
Pahang police chief Datuk Yahaya Othman said according to a report lodged yesterday, the 37-year-old man was deceived by a suspect who introduced an investment scheme called "Best Bit" via WhatsApp.
He said the victim was then given a website link to invest in the scheme, which promised lucrative returns.
"Enticed by the offer, the victim proceeded to make 41 transactions to 19 different bank accounts, totalling RM239,804, between March 22 and June 16.
"The funds used were from his personal savings and loans. The victim only realised he had been duped after receiving no returns as promised.
"The case is being investigated under cheating provisions," he said in a statement today.
Following the incident, Yahaya urged the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent investment syndicates.
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