One Message, RM600K Gone: WhatsApp Investment Scam Exposed

A 71-year-old property consultant has lost more than RM620,000 after being duped by a fake investment scheme that was promoted through WhatsApp.

Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the victim was approached by a suspect on Oct 16, 2025, and was offered what appeared to be a lucrative investment opportunity, with promised returns of up to 50 per cent. Trusting the offer, the man agreed to participate in an investment scheme known as “JMC M Trading Venture”.

According to police, the victim was instructed to download an application through a link provided by the suspect. He was told the app would be used to manage his investment and track profits. Convinced the scheme was genuine, the victim went on to transfer money from his personal savings in stages.

Between Oct 27 and Dec 27, 2025, he made 16 separate transfers amounting to RM622,161 into four different bank accounts supplied by the suspects. At one point, he did receive an initial return of RM140,889, which further strengthened his confidence in the investment. However, following the suspects instructions, the money was reinvested instead of withdrawn.

The scam only became clear when the victim was later told he needed to top up his investment with an additional RM1 million in order to withdraw all his purported profits. Realising something was wrong, he came forward to lodge a police report.

Yahaya reminded the public to be cautious of investment offers received through social media or messaging platforms. He advised members of the public to seek advice from their nearest police station or relevant authorities before committing to any investment, to avoid falling victim to similar scams.