KUALA LUMPUR: A 50-year old woman who works at an international school suffered losses of up to RM190,000 when she was scammed by an online currency investment scheme.
Seri Alam district police chief Superintendent Mohd Sohaimi Ishak said the Seri Alam police station received a report from the victim who claimed that she had been introduced to the scheme by a local man who she had befriended through Instagram.
In a statement today, Mohd Sohaimi said the suspect offered the victim an opportunity to participate in the investment scheme, and had showed her how to invest.
The suspect is also believed to have showed the victim a photograph of a luxurious lifestyle which he claimed the victim would soon be able to enjoy from participating in the investment scheme.
"Attracted by the offer, the victim downloaded an application for the investment and during the period from June 10-16, made six payments totalling RM190,000 through the app for the purchase of digital currencies and then transferring them to another account in the same app.
"The victim was able to see an investment graph showing high profits generated but was unable to withdraw the profit.
"She was instructed to make an additional payment in order to withdraw the profit.
"The victim began to suspect that she had been deceived a filed a police report on Sunday."
Mohd Sohaimi said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
He said police will also investigate if mule accounts are involved and action will be taken against the owner of such accounts.
He also urged the public to be more careful and not to trust any investment offer that promises easy, fast and high returns.