Police: Former accountant duped by TikTok investment scam, loses more than RM460,000

Police: Former accountant duped by TikTok investment scam, loses more than RM460,000

Local
Local

JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 4 — A 61-year-old former accountant lost RM469,875 after being duped by an investment scam promoted on TikTok.

Johor Bahru Selatan district police chief ACP Raub Selamat said the victim was drawn to an advertisement for Bursa Malaysia stock investments and later contacted an individual claiming to be an investment representative via WhatsApp.

“He was then added to a chat group, where another individual explained the investment process and instructed him to download an app before making transactions. The victim proceeded to make 13 online banking transfers between October 8 and November 28, 2025, to several bank accounts under different company names,” Raub said in a statement today.

He added that the suspect had promised returns of between seven and 15 per cent, but the victim only received RM14,763 in profit before being asked to make further payments. When he refused, he realised he had been scammed.

Raub said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of one to 10 years’ imprisonment, whipping and a fine.

He reminded the public to be wary of investment ads on social media and to verify information through the Semak Mule portal, as well as the websites of the Securities Commission and Bank Negara Malaysia, before investing.

Anyone with information on the case may contact the Johor Bahru Selatan District Police Headquarters at 07-2182289 or any nearby police station. — Bernama

Police said a 61-year-old former accountant in Johor lost RM469,875 after being duped by a fraudulent TikTok investment scheme promising high returns. — Reuters pic

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