Malaysia

Lecturer loses nearly RM500,000 to online investment scam

A 39-year-old lecturer in Kuantan has been defrauded of RM493,600 in a sophisticated online investment scam

Updated 7 months ago · Published on 15 Jan 2026 9:58AM

Lecturer loses nearly RM500,000 to online investment scam
Repeated scam incidents highlight the growing risk of digital financial fraud as authorities urge the public to exercise caution and verify investment opportunities - January 15, 2026

A FEMALE lecturer has fallen victim to an elaborate online investment scam, losing nearly half a million ringgit after being lured by a fraudulent stock investment scheme last September.

Pahang Police Chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman revealed that on 16 September 2025, the 39-year-old victim received a phone call from an individual claiming to be a stock investment agent from a reputable company.

“The victim was then added to a WhatsApp group called ‘C-129 WLIS AW Fans Group’ and instructed to download an investment application through a link provided to facilitate the so-called investment,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

According to Yahaya, the lecturer proceeded to make 22 separate transfers to five different bank accounts, using both her personal savings and loans obtained from family members, amounting to a total of RM493,600.

The scam came to light on 14 January, when the victim was asked to pay an additional RM144,676 as an “exit tax.” Suspicious of the request, she refused to make the payment, realising she had likely been defrauded, and subsequently lodged a police report.

Yahaya urged the public to seek advice from their nearest police station before making any investment, emphasising that early verification can prevent substantial financial losses.

“Members of the public are also reminded to check the legitimacy of bank account numbers received via links at [https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/](https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/) before making any transactions,” he added.

The case underscores the persistent threat posed by online scams in Malaysia, particularly those exploiting social media and messaging platforms to target unsuspecting individuals. - January 15, 2026

Spotlight

Malaysia

Elderly man admits to hitting neighbour with iron rod

Malaysia

Body found at KLIA2 in tyre storage compartment of aircraft from Japan

Malaysia

Factory operator faces rape, unnatural sex charges involving polytechnic student

Malaysia

Ismail Sabri granted RM300k bail after pleading not guilty to asset declaration charge

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Sunway Lagoon ride halted as safety probe seeks to protect public - DOSH

Malaysia

Malaysia ready to deploy military expertise for Nepal flood relief, says Defence Minister

Malaysia

Violence in Thailand: Visitors drop by almost 50 per cent

By Ian McIntyre

You may be interested

Malaysia

Man dies after falling from 11th-floor Lembah Pantai residence while evading police

Malaysia

Police smash five scam call centres in Selangor, arrest 40 in crackdown

Malaysia

‘Explain why recruitment of Nepali workers restricted’ – Charles Santiago

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

PH-BN talks on Melaka election cooperation may take shape before Malaysia Day

Malaysia

Body found at KLIA2 in tyre storage compartment of aircraft from Japan

Malaysia

Father and nine-year-old son killed in Kuala Nerus house fire

Malaysia

Fatal shop fight ends with 30-year jail term and 12 strokes for former worker

Malaysia

Air pollution worsens as 19 areas record unhealthy readings