SIBU: A woman in her 50s incurred losses of over half a million ringgit after falling victim to an online investment scam.
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the victim’s dismay started when she became interested in an investment opportunity after discovering an advertisement on a Facebook page on Sept 1.
“The victim clicked on the advertisement, which led to communication with the suspect, who introduced himself as ‘Chole Sdr,’ via WhatsApp,” he said in a statement today (Nov 23).
Zulkipli added that the suspect then explained the investment opportunity, promising substantial profits. The victim was subsequently added to a WhatsApp group named “SPDR-AIA Super Plan.”
“The suspect provided a link and instructed the victim to download an app called AE Online to submit her personal details and make an initial payment to begin the investment,” he added.
The victim then made 12 payments totaling RM549,000 to three different local bank accounts as per the suspect’s instructions between Oct 30 and Nov 14.
After completing all the transactions, the victim attempted to withdraw her funds, but the suspect told her she would need to pay RM981,540 to proceed with the withdrawal.
“Realising she had been deceived, the victim filed a police report,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
