A 60-year-old retiree suffered losses amounting to RM212,000 after falling victim to an online business scam involving the purchase and resale of electrical items, computers and clothing. The case has been classified as a commercial crime and is now under police investigation.
Kota Tinggi District Police Chief Superintendent Yusof Othman said the victim lodged a police report after realising he had been deceived. The victim reportedly entered into business communication with the suspect via WhatsApp beginning December 19, following an enticing offer that promised high returns through low-priced product purchases.
According to Yusof, the suspect convinced the victim that various goods could be supplied at discounted prices and would later be resold through an application allegedly provided by the suspect. Trusting the proposal, the victim proceeded to transfer multiple payments into an account belonging to the suspect.
However, the retiree later discovered that the suspect’s phone number had been blocked and attempts to contact him failed. It was then that the victim realised he had fallen prey to fraud, having already transferred a substantial amount of money.
Police have opened an investigation paper under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. Investigations are underway to identify the suspect and determine the full extent of the scam.
Yusof advised the public to be extremely cautious when dealing with business opportunities advertised online, especially those that appear to guarantee easy profits. He stressed the importance of verifying sellers, companies and transaction legitimacy before committing financially.
He also reminded the public not to rely solely on messaging applications for business dealings and to avoid transferring large sums of money to personal accounts without valid documentation or proof of business registration.
The police chief urged victims of online fraud to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) immediately at 997 to prevent further losses by initiating prompt banking intervention. Early reporting, he said, is crucial in increasing the chances of recovering funds.
The case serves as yet another reminder of the evolving nature of online scams targeting individuals, including retirees and individuals seeking additional income. Authorities continue to monitor such activities and encourage community vigilance in reporting suspicious offers.
Police reaffirmed their commitment to combating cyber fraud and safeguarding public interests, urging continued awareness and caution in online financial engagements.