A WOMAN has lost RM335,400 in an online investment scam after being lured by the promise of RM4.8 million in returns displayed through a mobile application, according to Pahang police.
The 53-year-old trader from Cameron Highlands came across an advertisement for an investment scheme known as Deepseek on Facebook on 30 April. Intrigued by the offer, she contacted a person who identified herself as “Serena” via WhatsApp.
The victim was then added to a group chat labelled Black Horse Growth Plan, police said.
Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the woman was instructed to download a mobile application called Phgmax to participate in the investment plan.
“She subsequently made 22 separate transfers between 2 June and 23 July 2025, amounting to RM335,400, into seven different bank accounts,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to Yahaya, the application displayed an alleged profit of RM4.8 million from her supposed investment.
However, when the victim attempted to withdraw the money, she was told she had to pay a 12 per cent commission first—amounting to RM221,670.
“She became suspicious after being repeatedly pressured to make further payments. The funds used were from her personal savings,” Yahaya said.
He warned the public to be extremely cautious of online investment offers, particularly those that promise unrealistic returns within a short period and are promoted via social media platforms.
“Initial background checks can be conducted through the official portal [https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my](https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my) to verify whether a bank account is linked to any fraudulent activity,” he advised.
He also urged members of the public who suspect they are victims of fraud to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) by dialling 997. - August 6, 2025
