Padawan salesman loses RM150,000 in investment scam, company turns out to be fake

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 13: A salesman in his 60s from Padawan has become the latest victim of an online investment scam after losing approximately RM150,000 to a non-existent scheme promoted on social media

Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata confirmed that the victim lodged a police report after realising he had been deceived.

According to police, the incident began in mid-March 2025, when the victim stumbled upon a Facebook advertisement that promised high returns within a short period.

“Attracted by the offer, he contacted an individual claiming to be an investment administrator. The suspect then offered detailed guidance through WhatsApp, convincing the victim to make a series of fund transfers in stages to a bank account provided by the scammer.

“In total, the victim transferred RM150,000 over several transactions,” Mancha said in a statement today.

The fraud came to light when the victim attempted to withdraw his supposed commission but was unsuccessful. Further checks revealed that the investment company did not exist.

Police are reminding the public to be cautious and to only invest through legitimate platforms registered with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC).

The public is also urged to seek financial advice only from registered agents, and not to fall for schemes that promise quick and excessive profits.

The public are advised to verify companies and websites before investing by visiting www.bnm.gov.my or calling BNM TELELINK at 1-300-88-5465, and www.sc.com.my or calling the Securities Commission at 03-6204 8999.

Victims of online scams such as phone scams, love scams, fake loans, and e-commerce frauds are urged to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997, especially if they have recently made any financial transactions to suspicious accounts or e-wallets. — DayakDaily

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