A Pahang businessman was cheated of over RM277,000 in a WhatsApp investment scam after being lured by promises of high, short-term returns.
KUANTAN: A businessman lost over RM277,000 after falling victim to an investment scam initiated through WhatsApp.
Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the 52-year-old victim was first contacted by a woman offering a high-return, short-term investment opportunity.
The man initially invested RM1,000 and later RM70,000, receiving small returns of RM175 and RM12,300 as supposed profits.
“Those returns were reinvested, and the victim was later persuaded to commit larger sums,” Yahaya explained.
Between Jan 8 and 12, the victim made multiple transfers into three different bank accounts.
He used his personal savings, business income, and loans obtained from his wife and acquaintances for these transfers.
No further returns materialised after the larger investments were made.
After being given repeated excuses by the scammer, the man realised he had been cheated.
He lodged a police report at the Jerantut district police headquarters.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
