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Online investment scams cost men in Padawan, Sibu losses totalling over RM270,000
Photo for illustration purposes only. — Photo from Pixabay
KUCHING (June 13): Two separate cases of online investment scams were reported in Padawan and Sibu in mid-March this year, leaving the victims with losses totalling over RM270,000.
Sarawak commissioner of police Datuk Mancha Ata said the first case involved a local salesman in his 60s from Padawan.
'The victim was initially drawn to a Facebook advertisement that promised high returns within a short period. Upon expressing interest, he was contacted via WhatsApp by an unknown individual posing as an investment administrator.
'Guided through the process, the victim proceeded to transfer about RM150,000 in multiple transactions to a bank account provided by the suspect,' he said in a statement.
Mancha said the salesman became suspicious when he was unable to withdraw his supposed commission and later discovered that the investment company did not exist.
A similar case was reported in Sibu, involving a labourer in his late 40s.
The victim found an online advertisement promoting investments purportedly offered by a company named 'Silvercape Capital Sdn Bhd'.
Mancha said the man was contacted by someone claiming to be a company agent, who persuaded him to invest and later informed him that he had made substantial profits.
'However, when attempting to retrieve his earnings, the victim was told that additional payments were required. In a further twist, the suspect impersonated a government-linked entity called 'Global Anti Scam' and instructed the victim to transfer more funds to process the refund.
'The victim, believing the directive to be legitimate, conducted several online bank transfers totalling about RM120,000,' he said.
Both victims realised they had been deceived after receiving no returns or refunds as promised.
Mancha added both cases are still being investigated. lead Mancha Ata online investment scam padawan Sibu
