SIBU: A trader was left RM132,330 poorer after he fell prey to a cryptocurrency investment scam that promised quick profit.
The incident happened in September last year when the man in his mid-60s, received a message from a person named ‘Jingyun Shu’ through Facebook Messenger, offering an investment opportunity.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said that the victim, intrigued by the investment prospect, had learned about Bitcoin investment from another individual known as ‘Smallstawberry’.
Subsequently, the victim was assured of receiving profits within three to four hours of making the initial deposit through the ‘DDEX’ application.
“Between early to end of November last year, the man transferred a total of RM132,330 via 22 transactions into four different bank accounts.
“The profit earned from the investment was denominated in USD currency with the victim receiving only RM400 in return.
““Despite the profit money being credited to the ‘DDEX’ application account, it remained inaccessible for withdrawal without additional deposits or guarantee payments,” he said.
Realising that he had been cheated, the man came forward and lodged a police report and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
In light of this, Mancha advised the public to exercise caution and only invest in legitimate platforms registered with Bank Negara Malaysia and the Malaysian Securities Commission.
Furthermore, the public is advised against clicking on unfamiliar links or downloading applications via Android Package Kits (APKs) of dubious origins.
He added that financial advice should only be sought from registered agents, and individuals should be wary of investments promising exorbitant profits within a short timeframe.
