RM500,000 Gone: Lecturer Duped by Online Investment Scam

A female lecturer in Pahang has lost nearly RM500,000 after falling victim to an online investment scam that began with a phone call claiming to offer a legitimate stock investment opportunity.

Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the incident started on Sept 16, 2025, when the 39-year-old victim was contacted by an individual who introduced himself as a stock investment agent from a well-known company. Trusting the call, the lecturer was later added to a WhatsApp group named “C-129 WLIS AW Fans Group”, which appeared active and convincing.

According to Yahaya, the victim was instructed to download an investment application via a link provided in the group, supposedly to facilitate her investments. Believing the scheme to be genuine, she began transferring money as instructed.

Over a period of time, the lecturer made 22 separate transactions into five different bank accounts. The funds came from her personal savings as well as loans borrowed from family members. In total, she transferred RM493,600 to the accounts provided by the suspects.

The deception only became clear on Jan 14, when the victim was asked to pay an additional RM144,676, described as an “exit tax”, in order to withdraw her profits. Becoming suspicious, she refused to make the payment and realised she had likely been scammed. She then lodged a police report.

Yahaya advised the public to exercise caution when approached with investment offers, especially those introduced through phone calls or messaging apps. He urged potential investors to consult their nearest police station before committing any funds, stressing that early checks can help prevent significant losses.

Members of the public are also encouraged to verify a brokers regulatory status through platforms such as WikiFX before making any investment decisions. WikiFX provides regulatory information, first-hand industry news and reviews shared by other traders, which can help investors identify potential red flags.

The case highlights the ongoing threat of online investment scams in Malaysia, particularly those that exploit social media and messaging platforms to gain victims trust and drain their savings.