Foreign senior citizen loses more than RM200,000 to online scam in Johor

JOHOR BARU: A 61-year-old New Zealand citizen lost RM216,000 after falling for an online investment scam, here.

Johor Baru North OCPD Asst Comm Balveer Singh said the victim lodged a police report on Thursday (Nov 28), sharing that the incident began on Oct 2 this year.

“He was contacted by a man who introduced himself as Michael Wong. Using the phone number 011-68620057.

“Wong persuaded the victim to invest in a scheme promoted through the website https://m.worldcoinkk.com. The scheme promised lucrative monthly returns of 3% to 5% on the invested amount,” he said in a statement here on Friday (Nov 29).

Attracted by these promises, the victim made a total of 27 online transactions between Oct 3 and Oct 25, transferring RM216,000 to a bank account registered under SPB International Sdn. Bhd.

“However, when Wong requested additional payments, the victim refused and soon realised he had been scammed after receiving no returns from the investment.

“The amount lost represented the victim’s life savings accumulated during his working years,” he added.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, caning, and a fine upon conviction.

Investigations are also focusing on the possible involvement of “money mules” in the scam; legal action will be taken against those found to be complicit.

ACP Balveer Singh advised the public to remain vigilant against online scams, particularly those that promise quick and substantial financial gains.

He urged individuals to thoroughly verify the legitimacy of any investment opportunities and avoid transferring money without sufficient information.

“As part of its efforts to combat scams, the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) offers services to help the public identify potential frauds.

“These include online tools like Semak Mule to check suspicious bank accounts and the CCID Scam Response Centre, which can be contacted at 03-26101559 or 03-26101599.

The National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) also provides assistance via 997, while official updates and advice are available on the Facebook pages of JSJK PDRM and BSJK PDRM, he added.

ACP Balveer Singh stressed the importance of taking proactive steps to protect against such crimes.

“Be cautious and take proactive steps to avoid becoming a victim of commercial crime. Always double-check offers, especially online investments, before transferring money to others,” he said.