Lecturer Loses RM304,000 in Suspected Online Investment Scam Advertised on Facebook

A lecturer at a public higher learning institution in Johor has reportedly lost more than RM304,000 after falling victim to a fraudulent online investment scheme promoted through Facebook.

The case adds to the growing number of investment scams in Malaysia involving social media advertisements, fake trading opportunities, and organised syndicates targeting individuals seeking higher investment returns.

Batu Pahat police chief Assistant Commissioner Shahrulanuar Mushaddat Abdullah Sani said the 50 year old victim first encountered the scheme on Facebook on Jan 10. The advertisement reportedly promised attractive profits and encouraged users to contact an investment representative for further details.

After responding to the advertisement, the victim began communicating with an unidentified individual through WhatsApp. Police said the suspect gradually convinced her that the investment opportunity was legitimate and capable of generating substantial returns within a short period.

Investigators believe the suspect used common scam tactics, including frequent communication and promises of profitable returns, to build trust and encourage larger financial commitments from the victim.

According to police, the lecturer proceeded to transfer funds into multiple bank accounts provided by the suspect over several weeks.

Between Jan 19 and Feb 14, the victim carried out a series of transactions involving 12 different bank accounts. The total amount transferred reached RM304,427.46.

Authorities said the victim believed her investments were generating profits based on information provided by the suspect and the platform linked to the scheme.

The fraud only came to light when the lecturer attempted to withdraw profits amounting to RM116,069.50. Police said her investment account was suddenly blocked, preventing her from accessing both the supposed profits and her original capital.

Repeated attempts to recover the money failed, leading the victim to realise she had likely been deceived.

She later lodged a police report, prompting an investigation by the commercial crime authorities.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which covers cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property. Convictions under the provision may carry prison sentences of between one and ten years, whipping, and financial penalties.

Police said the incident reflects the continued rise of online investment scams in Malaysia, particularly those spread through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and messaging applications.

Many of these schemes rely on professional looking advertisements and fake investment dashboards to create the illusion of legitimate trading activity. Victims are often persuaded to transfer money repeatedly after being shown fabricated profits or promises of guaranteed returns.

Scammers also frequently use multiple bank accounts to make transactions appear less suspicious and to complicate efforts to trace stolen funds.

Authorities have repeatedly warned that legitimate investment firms do not guarantee unusually high returns within short periods, especially through unsolicited online advertisements or direct messaging platforms.

Police urged the public to verify investment opportunities through official financial regulators before making any transactions. Members of the public were also encouraged to remain cautious when dealing with unknown individuals offering investment schemes online.

As part of anti scam efforts, authorities advised the public to use the Semak Mule platform to check suspicious bank accounts and phone numbers linked to fraud cases.

Individuals who suspect they may have been targeted by scams can also contact the Commercial Crime Investigation Department Scam Response Centre or report cases directly to the National Scam Response Centre through the 997 hotline.