Scrolled, Clicked, Lost RM166,000: Factory Worker Trapped by Online Investment Scam

A factory worker in Hulu Terengganu has lost RM166,000 after falling victim to an online investment scam involving a man she got to know through social media.

Hulu Terengganu district police chief Superintendent Sharudin Abdul Wahab said the woman lodged a police report at the Ajil Police Station at around 6.26pm yesterday, after realising she had been cheated.

According to police, the victim first became acquainted with the suspect on a social networking platform on Nov 15 last year. What started as casual online interaction later developed into discussions about an investment opportunity that the man claimed could generate attractive returns.

Sharudin said the suspect gradually convinced the woman to join the scheme. Trusting his assurances, she agreed to invest and went on to make 16 separate transactions into several different bank accounts provided by the man.

Despite repeated promises, no profits were ever paid out. Instead, the suspect allegedly gave various excuses whenever the victim asked about her returns. Over time, she began to suspect something was wrong.

Realising she had been deceived, the woman decided to come forward and lodge a police report. Investigations showed that her total losses amounted to RM166,000.

Sharudin added that the money involved came from multiple sources, including the victims salary, personal savings, inheritance funds and proceeds from the sale of jewellery.

The case is now being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. Police have once again reminded the public to be cautious of investment offers introduced through social media, especially those promising high returns with little or no risk.