AN elderly man has lost RM335,926.38 after falling victim to a bogus investment scheme promoted through social media, according to Johor Bahru Selatan police.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat said the man lodged a report claiming the scam began in June while he was at his home in Ulu Tiram.
He said the victim had been enticed by an online advertisement that appeared to offer lucrative investment returns.
“The victim clicked on the advertisement and contacted an individual via WhatsApp,” Raub said.
“The suspect then instructed the victim to download an application and open an account using his personal details, promising high returns. The application even displayed increasing values to convince him.”
The victim proceeded to make 25 transactions to three different bank accounts between 11 September and 21 November. Checks later revealed that all the accounts receiving the funds were not legitimate.
After transferring the money, the victim received none of the promised profits. Instead, the suspect demanded additional payments.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries penalties of one to 10 years’ imprisonment, whipping and a fine upon conviction.
Raub advised the public to exercise caution and verify bank account numbers through the official Semak Mule portal before making any transfers, or to contact the National Scam Response Centre at 997 to report suspected fraud.
He reiterated that genuine investment platforms do not request payments into personal accounts or promise extraordinary returns in a short period.
“The public is reminded not to be easily deceived by promises of quick and high returns,” he said. - November 27, 2025
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