Kuala Terengganu: A 46-year-old civil servant from Kuala Terengganu fell victim to an online investment scam, losing RM148,000 in the process, according to Kuala Terengganu police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor. The victim was lured into the scheme on September 4, participating in investment classes through a WhatsApp group.

“The victim was instructed to download the P Trade app to record his investments. Throughout the process, he never met anyone in person, visited an office, or received any official documents related to the investment,” Azli said when contacted today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the victim made 28 transactions totaling RM138,000 as capital payments between September 19 and October 24. These payments were directed to three separate bank accounts as instructed by individuals in the WhatsApp group. Initially, the P Trade app indicated that the victim’s investments had generated profits of RM1,333,253, and he was even able to make a small withdrawal, which increased his confidence in the sc
heme.

However, complications arose when the victim’s account was frozen, and he was informed that a RM25,000 penalty was required to access the remaining funds. In an attempt to retrieve his earnings, the victim paid RM10,000, but the scammers then increased the penalty amount further. Realizing he had been deceived, the victim filed a police report yesterday.

The incident is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. ACP Azli Mohd Noor urged the public to exercise caution when encountering investment opportunities on social media, advising them to verify the legitimacy of such schemes before investing any money.