Businessman loses over RM2.2mil in separate scams just months apart
Pahang police chief Comm Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said that in May, the 45-year-old man was lured by a scheme and contacted an individual via WhatsApp.
He then made 18 transactions totaling RM1.86 million to six bank accounts between May 14 and July 15, 2025.
"The victim received a return of over RM20,000, which convinced him to continue investing. However, last Tuesday, he was asked to make an additional RM88,000 payment for a 'fast withdrawal' process.
"He refused, and checks via the Semak Mule portal revealed the bank accounts involved had criminal records," he said in a statement Thursday (July 24).
Comm Yahaya added that previously, the victim fell for a similar scam, losing RM440,000 through 13 transactions between February and May this year.
"In this case, he did not receive any returns and was instead asked to pay a 20 percent 'tax' to withdraw the funds. He refused after suspecting it was a scam.
"As a result, the businessman lost over RM2.2 million, comprising his savings and money borrowed from friends," he said.
He added that the victim lodged a police report at the Maran police headquarters on Wednesday (July 23), and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. - Bernama
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