Padawan Housewife Loses RM159,000 in ASNB Savings to Fake Investment Scheme
KUCHING (Sept 18): In a devastating financial scam, a housewife from Padawan near Kuching has lost RM159,000 after withdrawing her Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB) savings to invest in a fraudulent investment scheme. This incident serves as a stark reminder for the public to be wary of online scams, especially those promising quick returns.
Victim Targeted Through Telegram Group
The scam began when the housewife, who is in her late 30s, was added to a Telegram group called ‘@DIRATRADER_OFFICIAL’ by an unknown individual in late August. According to Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata, the victim was lured into the group where she was presented with information and a detailed video showcasing the supposed high returns of the non-existent investment scheme.
“The victim was given an explanation about the investment scheme, as well as a video detailing the lucrative income that could be derived from the scheme,” said Mancha.
Influenced by Fake Testimonials
The housewife was further swayed by positive reviews and testimonials from other members within the Telegram group, all of which were likely fabricated to make the scheme appear credible. Convinced of the legitimacy of the offer, the victim decided to withdraw her ASNB savings to use as capital for the fake investment.
Multiple Transactions Lead to Huge Losses
Between late August and early September, the housewife made a total of 13 money transfers and eight cash deposits, amounting to RM159,000. Each transaction was made with the hope of earning the promised profits, which unfortunately never materialised. It was only when she realised that she had neither received any returns nor had her capital refunded that the true nature of the scheme became apparent.
“She only realised she had been scammed when she did not receive any of the promised profits, nor was her capital returned to her,” Mancha stated.
Continuous Demands for Payment
Even after the victim began suspecting the scam, the fraudster behind the scheme continued to pressure her into making additional payments. The scammer claimed these payments were necessary to facilitate the transfer of the profits into her bank account. Fortunately, the housewife refused to make further payments and instead filed a police report on September 17.
A Warning to the Public: Invest Wisely
Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata used this unfortunate event as an opportunity to remind the public to exercise caution when considering investment opportunities.
“Do not trust any investment that offers lucrative profits in a short period of time. Always ensure that the investment platform is legitimate and registered with Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission,” Mancha advised.
Steps to Protect Yourself from Scams
In light of this incident, it’s crucial for Malaysians to be vigilant and safeguard their hard-earned savings from similar fraudulent schemes. Here are some key steps to protect yourself:
- Verify the Investment Platform: Always check if the investment company is registered with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) or the Securities Commission (SC). Legitimate platforms will be listed on these regulatory bodies’ official websites.
- Be Wary of High Returns Promised in a Short Time: If an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often lure victims by promising quick and substantial profits.
- Avoid Telegram and WhatsApp Investment Groups: Many fraudsters use these platforms to target victims. If you are added to a suspicious group, it is best to exit immediately and report the group to the authorities.
- Do Not Share Personal Financial Information: Never share your banking details, identification, or account numbers with unknown individuals or groups online.
- Consult a Financial Advisor: Before making any significant financial decisions, especially involving large sums of money, consult a licensed financial advisor to ensure the legitimacy of the investment.
Conclusion: The Price of Trusting the Wrong Platform
This case of a Padawan housewife losing her RM159,000 ASNB savings highlights the importance of being cautious when it comes to online investment opportunities. With the rise of digital scams, it is more critical than ever to verify any platform before committing funds. Fraudsters are becoming increasingly creative in their tactics, often creating sophisticated online personas and platforms to dupe unsuspecting individuals.
For those affected by similar scams, it is essential to report the incident to the police immediately to prevent others from falling victim to the same scheme.