A bank officer in Pahang recently reported losing RM102,700 after falling prey to a fraudulent investment scheme that turned out to be non-existent. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking online, where unsuspecting individuals can easily become victims of sophisticated scams. The Pahang Police Chief, Datuk Yahaya Othman, confirmed the case and stated that investigations are underway to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this deceitful act.
According to authorities, the 32-year-old bank officer came across an advertisement on Facebook posted by a company named "Popular Book CO (M) SDN BHD," offering free investment books. Intrigued by the opportunity, the victim clicked on a link provided via WhatsApp to access the offer.
Upon clicking the link, the bank officer was redirected to what appeared to be a legitimate stock trade system. The fraudster behind the scheme proposed an investment opportunity, promising the victim a substantial 30% profit if he invested RM100,000 into a specific platform.
Enticed by the alluring promise of substantial returns, the victim decided to proceed with the investment. Over a period of three weeks, he made a total of 12 transactions, transferring funds to six different accounts as instructed by the scammer.
Eventually, the bank officer became aware that he had been deceived and realized the non-existence of the investment scheme. Understanding the gravity of the situation, he promptly lodged a report at the Kuantan District Police Headquarters to bring the scam to light.
The case has been registered under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which deals with offences related to cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property. Authorities are actively investigating the matter to identify and apprehend those responsible for orchestrating the scam.
This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of exercising caution while navigating the digital landscape. Online scams continue to evolve, becoming increasingly sophisticated and challenging to detect. It is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant, verifying the legitimacy of offers and investments before divulging personal information or making any financial commitments.
The bank officer's devastating loss of RM102,700 to a non-existent investment scheme highlights the prevalence of online scams and the need for individuals to exercise caution. As investigations continue, it is hoped that the perpetrators behind this fraudulent act will be apprehended and held accountable for their actions. Malaysians are reminded to remain vigilant, verify sources, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
What do you think of this? Comment below.
