Enticed by WhatsApp text, man loses RM202,000 to fake stock market investment scam

By William Isau

SIBU, Oct 22: A 50-year-old private sector employee lost RM202,000 in a non-existent stock market investment scam.

“On Aug 9, the victim received a message on WhatsApp from a representative of an investment company offering a lucrative opportunity through the ‘Boci International Investment Club,’ which attract his interest,” Sibu district police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said.

The victim was then added to a WhatsApp group where investment discussions took place and was instructed to download an app to use as the investment platform.

“Between Sept 26 and Oct 11, the man made 13 transactions, amounting to RM202,000, to three local bank accounts.

“Subsequently on Oct 21, he contacted the suspect to inquire about withdrawing the supposed profits, but the suspect gave various excuses,” Zulkipli said.

Feeling suspicious and realising he may have been scammed, the victim lodged a police report that same day for further investigation.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. — DayakDaily