JOHOR BARU: Lured by the promise of lucrative returns, a jewellery shop secretary lost RM2.65 million belonging to her and her partner in a non-existent investment scheme.
Johor police chief Datuk M Kumar said the victim, 49, lodged a police report on the matter yesterday.
"According to the victim, she saw an advertisement for the investment scheme on social media in August and clicked on the link (in the ad) to find out more.
"She was then contacted by several people who explained the scheme to her, along with the promise of nine per cent returns on her investment," he said in a statement.
Kumar said the victim initially invested RM100,000 in the scheme in October and "earned" profits of RM12,100.
Encouraged by the prospect of quick returns, the victim invested more money between October and November.
In total, she invested RM2.65 million of her own and her partner's money in several different accounts.
"She didn't receive a single sen from her investments and was asked to deposit more money before her profits and initial investment could be withdrawn.
"Suspecting something amiss, the woman lodged a police report."
The case is being investigated under Section 420 for cheating.
Kumar advised the public against investment schemes on social media offering lucrative returns.
"Please refer to the relevant authorities, including the police, Bank Negara Malaysia, and the Securities Commission for more information on investment schemes."