A HOUSEWIFE from Johor Bharu was left sleepless after losing RM93,300 of her life savings to a fake investment scheme promoted on TikTok at the end of last year.
Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat, Chief of Police for South Johor Bahru, said the victim was drawn to an advertisement promising returns of up to RM100,000 while browsing the app at around 11 p.m. on November 25, 2025.
“The woman, who was interested, sent a message to the TikTok account and communicated through the chatbox before being asked to make payments as investment capital,” Raub explained.
He said the victim made 20 separate transactions between December 25 and January 21, 2026, transferring a total of RM93,300 to several accounts under different company and individual names.
“However, the victim lodged a police report after realising she had been defrauded, as she was still being asked to make additional payments to release the promised returns,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
Raub added that police are investigating further, including reviewing the bank accounts involved and tracing the owners and communication channels used by the suspects.
“Police are investigating this matter, and the public are advised to remain vigilant against any investment offers promising extraordinary returns. People should also avoid making financial transactions without first checking with the authorities or legitimate financial institutions,” he said.
Meanwhile in Kuantan, a 52-year-old trader lost nearly RM277,688 after falling victim to a fictitious global commodity trading investment promoted via WhatsApp.
Pahang Police Chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the victim had connected with a woman using a pseudonym on January 8, 2026, and was offered a short-term investment promising high returns.
“Initial investigations found that the victim made an initial investment of RM1,000 and RM70,000 and received small returns of RM175 and RM12,300. However, these profits were reinvested, and the victim was convinced to continue with larger sums,” Yahaya explained.
He said that between January 8 and 12, 2026, the victim made multiple transfers to three bank accounts totalling RM277,688. No further profits were received, and the victim was given various excuses by the suspect before realising the fraud.
Yahaya noted that the victim’s funds came from personal savings, business income, and loans from his wife and acquaintances.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
“In this case, I advise the public to consult and seek guidance from the nearest police station before making any investment to avoid falling victim to fraud. The public should also verify account numbers received through the link [https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/](https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/) before making any transactions,” he said.
He added that anyone suspecting they have been targeted by a scam should immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997.
These incidents underscore the increasing sophistication of online fraud schemes and the need for Malaysians to exercise caution when approached with lucrative investment offers through social media or messaging platforms - January 24, 2026
