KUCHING: An online entrepreneur and a contractor have fallen victim to investment scams, resulting in a combined loss of RM954,000.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) is actively probing the cases which were reported on Monday (Aug 28).
The first case involved a Sibu-based online entrepreneur, who was stripped of a whopping RM796,000.
The scheme unfolded on July 14 when the trader, in his early 50s, received a message from a woman identified as ‘Karen’ on Telegram and WhatsApp.
“The victim was baited into a cryptocurrency investment plan centred around Eth Mining, along with the promised returns of up to three percent of daily profits.
“Intrigued by the prospects, the victim was drawn into purchasing USDt (Tether) for the Eth Mining venture.
“Acting on Karen’s guidance, the victim transferred a hefty sum of RM796,000 into 16 bank accounts via 30 transactions from mid-July to mid-August,” he said.
Meanwhile, the second case involved a Kuching-based contractor in his late 60s, who found himself ensnared in an investment con, losing RM158,000.
Mohd Azman said the incident happened on July 20 when the victim received a WhatsApp message from a woman known as ‘Jess’.
“A representative from the supposedly Malaysia Stock Interactive Club, Jess had lured the victim with a seemingly authentic stock market investment opportunity.
“The intrigued victim then received a designated username and ID for the investment endeavour.
“Convinced by the pitch, the victim transferred a sum of RM158,000 into three bank accounts via five transactions from early August to mid-August,” he said.
However, the grim realistion that their investments and promised profits were unattainable, struck both victims with force.
The cases are being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
In light of this, the public are advised to only invest through proper platforms that are registered with Bank Negara Malaysia and Securities Commission Malaysia, and seek financial advice from registered agents only about an investment.
The public should exercise caution when encountering unfamiliar links or downloadable files, as these could potentially lead to malicious software or scams.
