A 63-YEAR-OLD retiree in Kuala Terengganu has lost nearly RM100,000 in an online investment scam that went undetected for four years, highlighting the persistent risks posed by fraudulent schemes operating across messaging platforms.
Kuala Terengganu district police chief Azli Mohd Noor said the woman lodged a report at the Kuala Terengganu police station at about 6.30pm on Thursday after realising she had been deceived.
According to police, the scam began in 2022 when the victim joined an investment scheme known as “Labuan”, which was promoted via WhatsApp.
Over the course of her involvement, she carried out 50 transactions into 15 different bank accounts, amounting to a total loss of RM96,000, drawn from her personal savings and pension funds.
"Until now, the victim has not received any returns and suspects she has been deceived by an online scam syndicate.
"Realising she had been cheated and suffered losses without any return, the victim then lodged a police report for further action," he said.
Police noted that the prolonged nature of the scheme delayed detection, with the victim only recognising the fraud after four years of participation in what appeared to be a non-performing investment.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. Authorities have reiterated warnings for the public to remain vigilant against investment offers promising unrealistic returns, particularly those conducted over informal digital channels. - March 27, 2026
