Latest news with #HominInternationalFinanceAcademic
Borneo Post
08-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Padawan retiree loses RM500,000 in online investment scam
The incident began in mid-March, when the victim came across an online advertisement claiming to offer free investment courses. – File photo 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 or call BNM TELELINK at 1-300-88-5465 (Bank Negara Malaysia); visit 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 or Check Scammers CCID app or the website for verifying suspect phone numbers or bank accounts. crime Mancha Ata online scam senior citizen
The Star
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sibu undergrad loses more than RM100,000 to bogus online investment scheme
SIBU: A university student in his twenties lost RM100,400 after falling victim to a bogus online investment scheme that promised high returns in a short period. Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Zulkipli Suhaili said the victim lodged a police report upon realising he had been scammed by an investment syndicate operating through the WhatsApp platform. "Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was lured by an investment advertisement under the name Homin International Finance Academic (HIFA), which he came across on Facebook on May 1. "He gave his phone number via the link provided in the advertisement and was subsequently contacted and added to a WhatsApp group," he said in a statement on Thursday (June 19). According to Zulkipli, the group administrator provided investment-related instructions and guidance, including sharing screenshots and testimonials allegedly from other investors who had gained substantial profits. "Unaware of the fraudulent tactics, the victim proceeded to make seven bank transfers amounting to RM100,400 into five different local bank accounts," he said. He had borrowed the money from his friends and aunt. He added that the victim only realised he had been conned after his aunt raised concerns about the investment—particularly after he had approached her for a loan. An investigation paper has since been opened under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. Zulkipli also urged the public to remain cautious of investment schemes that offer unrealistic returns within a short timeframe. "The public is encouraged to verify the legitimacy of investment companies via Bank Negara Malaysia's official website at or the Securities Commission Malaysia at "Further checks can also be carried out using the Investment Checker application or by visiting he added. For more information or assistance related to fraud, the public may contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) by dialling 997, or follow updates via Facebook at @CyberCrimeAlertRMP and @JSJKPDRM.
