A 61-YEAR-OLD retired woman in Pontian has suffered losses amounting to RM108,000 after falling victim to a non-existent stock investment scheme promising unusually high returns.
Pontian District Police Chief Hadzrat Hussien Mion Hussain said the case was reported to the Commercial Crime Investigation Division of the district police headquarters on April 20.
He said the victim, a former private sector employee, was lured into an investment package that allegedly promised profits of up to 80 per cent.
“Interested by the promised returns, the woman made several online transactions between March 11 and April 17, totalling RM108,000,” he said in a statement.
The victim realised she had been cheated when the so-called investment company demanded additional payments before allowing any withdrawals, including the profits shown in the application used to track the investment.
The victim realised she had been deceived when the investment company requested additional payments in order to process any withdrawals, including the profits shown in the application.
Police said the syndicate’s modus operandi involved adding victims into a WhatsApp group where members of the scam network posed as fellow investors.
According to investigators, victims were persuaded to invest after being exposed to fabricated testimonials and promises of exceptionally high returns.
“The investment syndicate’s modus operandi begins by adding victims into a WhatsApp group, with accomplices of the suspects posing as new members,” he said.
He added that victims were misled by fake testimonials claiming significant profits from the scheme.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a jail term of between one and ten years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.
Authorities have also urged the public to verify any investment opportunities using tools such as the CCID Infoline and the Semak Mule service, as well as to download the Whoscall application before making any financial transactions.
They further advised victims of scams to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 to enable swift action to block outgoing funds from suspect accounts. - April 21, 2026
