RM5,000 trial payout leads Pontian victim into RM1.15m investment scam

On October 2, Pontian District Police Chief Supt Hadzrat Hussein Mion Hussain reported that a 52-year-old private-sector employee in Pontian had lost a staggering RM1.15 million to an online investment scam. According to the police, the victim's journey into financial ruin began in early January when he first met a woman on WhatsApp, who introduced herself as 'Farini'. The woman promised an investment scheme promising returns of up to 15 percent of the capital invested.

The victim, enticed by the promising returns, made an initial transaction of RM5,000 on February 8 to a bank account provided by Farini. He received RM5,877.65 as a 'return' on this investment. Encouraged by these returns, the victim proceeded to make several more transactions to different bank accounts over the following months, culminating in a total investment of RM1,151,621.96.

The scam came to light when the victim was asked to make an additional payment to withdraw his investment profits. He only then realized that he had been deceived. The case is currently under investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code, according to the police.