Kota tinggi: A man lost RM380,000 in an online investment scam recently, Kota Tinggi district police chief Supt Yusof Othman said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the 51-year-old victim was approached by an individual he had recently connected with on WhatsApp, who promised him returns of up to 50 percent on his investments within a week. The victim proceeded to make eight transactions into two separate accounts, investing a total of RM380,000 from October 10 to 15.

When the victim contacted the suspect on October 22 to inquire about his returns, the suspect did not provide them and instead asked the victim to increase his investment. Realizing he had been scammed, the victim subsequently lodged a police report.

The case is currently being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for fraud.