Doctor, retiree lose more than RM650,000 in separate online scams in Terengganu

A private clinic doctor and a retired civil servant in Terengganu have each lost over RM600,000 each to separate online scams.

The 32-year-old doctor fell victim to an online currency investment scheme, after being enticed by an Instagram advertisement promoting trading and investment lessons. She then communicated with a suspect known as "Wan" through WhatsApp. The victim was required to pay RM300 for trading videos and subsequently made 77 transactions totaling RM558,000 to six bank accounts from January 12 to August 11.

The doctor was later told to pay compensation or face legal consequences, but realized she had been scammed and reported the incident to the police.

Meanwhile, a 60-year-old retired civil servant in Kuala Terengganu was cheated of RM92,781 through a bogus online loan scheme. The victim was attracted to the offer of a RM10,000 loan with low interest rates and favorable terms, found on Facebook. He contacted the suspect through WhatsApp and paid processing fees for 86 payments to 28 accounts from June 14 to August 13, using both savings and borrowed money.

The suspect demanded personal information, including a copy of his identity card, utility bills, pension card, and bank account details. The victim was threatened with legal action if he didn't make additional payments. The man reported the scam to the police, who are now investigating the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which pertains to cheating.