SIBU: A 50-something local man has fallen victim to a non-existent Bitcoin investment scam, suffering a total loss of RM63,680.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili confirmed that a police report was lodged on the incident on Oct 14.
The man, who was unemployed, came across a Bitcoin investment offer advertised on Facebook, which promised high returns within six hours.
Enticed by the offer, the victim contacted the individual behind the post, who introduced himself as Calvin.
According to Zulkipli, the suspect convinced the victim to make 12 separate payments, totalling RM63,680, to five different accounts through a cash deposit machine (CDM).
After making the payments, the victim was told he would need to make an additional payment to receive his investment profits. The suspect claimed that it would take three days for the money to be deposited into the victim’s account.
However, when the victim tried to follow up with the suspect, he was informed that more payments were required to release the promised profits. Despite the payments, the victim never received any returns or profits.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
As a preventive measure, Zulkipli urged the public to verify any investment opportunities before making payments, especially those advertised online.
He also advised the public to be wary of promises of high profits and to check with Bank Negara Malaysia or the Malaysian Securities Commission (SC) for the legitimacy of investment schemes.
For further assistance, the public can contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 or follow Cyber Crime Alert RMP and JSJKPDRM on Facebook for updates.
Suspicious bank accounts and phone numbers can also be verified via the website http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule/.
