Costly click: Facebook investment scam drains Johor retiree of RM535,000 in three months
JOHOR BARU, June 21 — A private sector retiree lost RM535,766 after allegedly falling victim to an online investment scam promoted via an advertisement on the Facebook application.
Seri Alam District Police chief ACP Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the police received a report from a 57-year-old local man on Tuesday, who claimed losses exceeding RM500,000.
He said the victim had come across a share investment advertisement on Facebook on March 13 that promised lucrative returns within a short time, and clicked on the provided link out of interest.
'Subsequently, the victim made 26 payment transactions into five different bank accounts between March 13 and June 5, totalling RM535,766. The victim was also asked to make additional payments to withdraw the so-called 'investment profits', but those requests were never fulfilled,' he said in a statement today.
Mohd Sohaimi said the victim only realised he had been duped after repeated attempts to recover the investment funds proved futile.
'Preliminary checks via the CCID's 'Semak Mule' platform found that all five accounts involved had a total of 22 police reports linked to investment scams,' he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, and police are also looking into the possible involvement of mule account holders. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
9 minutes ago
- Barnama
Perak Calls For Full Probe Into Explosions, Tremors In Ipoh
IPOH, June 21 (Bernama) -- The Perak government has called on the relevant departments to conduct a thorough investigation into the explosions and tremors reported in several areas here last Wednesday. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the incident, including a similar one in October last year, had caused concern and alarm among residents. 'It is time for the relevant departments and agencies to prepare a full report and conduct a study into the cause of the explosions,' he said at a press conference after closing the National Training Week (NTW) 2025 at the Ipoh Convention Centre (ICC) here today. Saarani also advised the public not to spread unverified or false information about the incident. 'The public should remain calm and need not worry, as the situation is under control and no serious incidents have been reported so far,' he said. Explosions and tremors were reportedly heard and felt around Chemor and Chepor here at about 10.30 am on June 18, but the cause remains unknown. Perak police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin, at a press conference the following day, said the police would hold discussions with the relevant departments and agencies soon to determine the actual cause of the explosions and tremors. On Oct 21 last year, a strong tremor was felt in several areas around the city, including Tasek, Stadium Perak, Meru, Falim, Manjoi, Chemor, and Sungai Siput, at around 11.06 am, followed by a loud bang. --BERNAMA
Barnama
9 minutes ago
- Barnama
Review Of e-Commerce Laws To Be Completed By August
KOTA KINABALU, June 21 (Bernama) -- The review of e-commerce legislation, which began in April last year to develop a more responsive legal framework for regulating the industry and protecting consumer interests, is expected to be completed by August. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the review is now in its final phase before the recommendations are submitted to the Cabinet for approval and subsequently tabled in Parliament for the drafting or amendment of relevant laws. He said the key laws under the ministry's jurisdiction include the Consumer Protection Act 1999 and the Electronic Commerce Act 2006. 'Our aim is to finalise the review by the end of this year, including securing Cabinet approval on whether to introduce a new legal framework or amend existing laws to make them more conducive, comprehensive, and relevant to current challenges,' he told reporters after launching the Sabah-level 2025 Business Digitalisation Programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah today. Armizan added that the review also seeks to identify gaps in existing legislation, assess regulatory scope, and benchmark Malaysia's e-commerce laws against international practices He said the review also considers issues and needs of both the industry and consumers, and will propose new legislation or amendments along with the most effective regulatory approach for Malaysia's e-commerce landscape. 'At present, there is no direct regulation of platform operators or sellers in the e-commerce space. No decision has been made yet on whether to introduce a licensing regime or adopt a compliance-based approach. 'Our objective is not merely to establish a legal framework, but to create a regulatory mechanism that supports the growth of businesses using e-commerce platforms. We do not want future legislation to become a hindrance to the sector's potential,' he said. Armizan also announced that a townhall session with industry players will be held on July 17 to gather feedback and input on the proposed regulatory framework.
Malay Mail
11 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Man dies after collapsing during National Day Parade rehearsal in Singapore
SINGAPORE, June 21 — A 47-year-old man from Changi Airport Group's (CAG) Parade and Ceremony contingent died after collapsing during a National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsal at the Padang in Singapore today. According to a joint statement by the country's Ministry of Defence (Mindef) and CAG, the incident happened at 11.23am, shortly after the end of a component rehearsal. 'He was immediately evacuated to the on-site medical post and arrived at 11.26am, where he was attended by the duty medical officer. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was administered immediately,' the statement said. Despite efforts to revive him, the man remained unresponsive and was transferred to a standby Singapore Armed Forces ambulance at 11.42am. 'Resuscitation efforts continued en route to hospital,' Mindef and CAG added. He arrived at Singapore General Hospital at 11.57am and was pronounced dead at 12.19pm. The man was part of one of 18 civilian contingents preparing for the NDP on August 9, which will mark Singapore's 60th National Day. Mindef and CAG said they are in contact with the man's family. 'We extend our deepest condolences to the family,' they said.
