73-year-old loses RM80,000 in ‘mystical money’ scam

A 73-year-old woman from Kuala Terengganu has lost RM80,000 after falling victim to a scam involving "mystical money" promises. According to Kuala Terengganu police, the victim was first approached on Facebook about a Facebook offer for mystical money. She contacted an individual named "Ustaz Nasihin" via WhatsApp, who claimed the money would help repair her house, settle debts, and fund donations to orphans.

The woman was instructed to make advance payments, which she did according to the requested amounts. However, no money was deposited into her account as promised.

Later, the scammer introduced himself as "Vee Hong" and claimed the money could be collected, but demanded a RM50,000 payment for a "penalty" due to the delay in receiving the funds. The woman contacted "Ustaz Nasihin" for an explanation and was told that she was detained and fined RM50,000. She was then asked to make the payment, promising it would be refunded.

Ultimately, the victim made 13 transactions totaling RM80,000 from her savings, all going to the scammer's bank account. The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.