A 40-YEAR-OLD paediatrician at a government hospital in Johor Bahru has been left out of pocket by RM270,000 after falling victim to a sophisticated online stock investment fraud, local police confirmed.
The victim, a male medical professional, reported the scam to the Johor Bahru Selatan District Police to which Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat said the ordeal began when the doctor received a message via WhatsApp offering high-return stock investments and was persuaded to download an application called “WLS.”
“The victim was then instructed by the suspect to make several fund transfers to different accounts purportedly for investment purposes,” Raub explained.
“Between October 21, 2025, and December 1, 2025, the victim made eight separate transactions totalling RM270,000.”
The scheme unravelled when the doctor attempted to withdraw supposed profits and was told to pay additional fees described as “closure charges.”
Growing suspicious, he realised he had been deceived and promptly filed a police report.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the bank accounts used in the transactions have previous records of fraud and are believed to be linked to an organised online investment scam syndicate.
Police are actively tracing the suspects, examining banking records and telecommunications data.
Raub warned that the syndicate’s tactics are increasingly sophisticated, targeting all segments of society, including professionals.
He urged the public to exercise caution and verify any investment schemes through the official Semak Mule portal to prevent financial losses.
The police also reminded individuals to contact the National Scam Response Centre immediately at 997 if they suspect they have been targeted by a scam.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonesty. - April 6, 2026
