Woman Detained to Aid Investigation into ‘Phantom’ Investment Scam That Decimated Teacher’s Savings, Reaching RM250,000

ROBAN, El Sky News – A woman from Pasir Gudang, Johor, has been remanded to assist a police investigation concerning a fake investment scam that saw a teacher lose nearly a quarter of a million ringgit.

The 38-year-old woman was detained in Roban yesterday following a police report lodged by the victim, a 30-year-old teacher. The victim claimed she was deceived by an investment scheme aggressively advertised on the Facebook social media platform.

Saratok District Police Chief, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mathew Manggie, confirmed the arrest and explained that the victim first became entangled in the ‘phantom investment’ scheme since last October.

“The victim made nine (9) deposit transactions into a bank account belonging to the suspect’s name, with the total amount reaching RM249,800,” he said in a statement today.

Modus Operandi: High-Return Offer, Suspect’s Account Used

DSP Mathew added that the teacher only realized she was a victim of a scam when she completely failed to contact the ‘investment agent’ handling the transactions, which compelled her to lodge a report at the Saratok District Police Headquarters (IPD).

Preliminary police investigation revealed that the female suspect admitted the bank account used to receive the victim’s money was hers.

However, the suspect claimed that the account had been handed over to a third party for loan purposes, and she was unaware of the fraudulent activity involving the use of her debit card and personal account.

Investigated Under Section 420 of the Penal Code

The case is now being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property. If convicted, the suspect may face imprisonment for no less than one year and no more than ten years, and caning, and is also liable to a fine.

The suspect is expected to be charged at the Saratok Magistrate’s Court on December 22.

The police advise the public to always be vigilant and conduct detailed checks on the authenticity of investment schemes, especially those offering unbelievable returns in a short period, before making any financial transactions.

(Leakim Otid)