In a disheartening turn of events, a 75-year-old accountant has been swindled out of more than RM2.27 million by an investment syndicate operating through WhatsApp.
Johor police chief CP M Kumar disclosed that the elderly man reported his involvement in the scam, which began on 19 December 2023, according to Bernama.
The victim was enticed by WhatsApp messages promising lucrative returns in a short period. He was instructed to download an app and register a bank account to oversee his investments.
The accountant made multiple transactions from last month until early this month, cumulatively transferring over RM2.27 million.
However, when the syndicate claimed his profits soared to RM12.9 million, they demanded a RM1.6 million commission before he could withdraw his earnings. Sensing deceit, the victim refrained from paying the commission and reported the incident, suspecting a fraudulent scheme.
Safety tips when using WhatsApp
Here are some tips to help you stay safe while using the popular instant messaging app:
- Verify Contacts: Only communicate with people you know. Be cautious if someone contacts you out of the blue, especially if they claim to be from a company or organisation.
- Check for Scams: Be wary of messages that ask for personal or financial information, giving a sense of urgency or pressure you to act quickly, and offer prizes, lotteries, or deals that seem too good to be true.
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Avoid sharing personal details such as your address, bank account details, or passwords.
- Use Two-Step Verification: Enable two-step verification for an extra layer of security on your WhatsApp account. This requires you to enter a PIN when registering your phone number with WhatsApp again.
- Beware of Phishing Links: Do not click on suspicious links. Scammers often use phishing techniques to steal your personal information or ask you to install an app so they can install malware on your device.
- Report Suspicious Messages: If you receive a suspicious message, report it to WhatsApp by going to the chat > tap on the contact name or group subject > scroll down and tap “Report”.
- Block Scammers: If you suspect that a contact is a scammer, block them or leave immediately. Go to the chat > tap on the contact name or group subject > scroll down and tap “Block” or “Exit Group.”
- Keep App Updated: Ensure that your app and phone’s operating system are up to date to protect against security vulnerabilities.
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scams and how they operate. This will help you recognize potential scams more easily.
Online scams are becoming more sophisticated, making it crucial to stay vigilant at all times when online, not only on WhatsApp.
