PADAWAN: An e-commerce merchant has been left devastated after falling prey to a non-existent investment scam, resulting in a staggering loss of RM238,481.
The 44-year-old woman had recently filed a police report detailing the fraudulent scheme that led to her financial downfall.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said the incident began on Nov 27 last year when the victim received a seemingly innocent WhatsApp message from a Singaporean friend named Royman
He then enticed the victim to participate in an alleged investment opportunity on Telegram.
“Curiosity piqued, the victim agreed and hoped to secure a promising investment opportunity.
“She was then instructed to download an application called ‘Trust’ from the Play Store, an initial step towards participating in the alleged investment venture.
“Trusting the process, the victim complied and proceeded with the registration process, sharing personal data and engaging in conversations with an individual via Telegram,” he said.
Without the knowledge of the victim, the person was nothing more than a cunning scammer.
Mohd Azman stated that the scammer offered the victim an alluring investment promotion which promises substantial profits in return for deposited funds.
Between Nov 27 last year to Feb 15 this year, the victim transferred a sum of RM238,481 into nine different bank accounts via 17 transactions.
Devastatingly, it was only when the victim received a meagre RM500 as purported returns on her investment that the harsh reality of the scam became painfully apparent.
The dream of financial security shattered, the victim realised she had been ruthlessly swindled.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
