Retired Teacher Duped in TikTok Investment Scam, Loses Over RM36,000

PONTIAN: A 68-year-old retired teacher has lost RM36,765 after falling victim to a fraudulent investment scheme promoted on TikTok, police said.

Pontian district police chief Superintendent Hadzrat Hussien Mion Hussain said the victim discovered the online investment advertisement while at his home in Kampung Tengah Ayer Baloi at around 8.26 am on April 16.

Drawn by promises of quick and high returns, the victim contacted the administrator of the investment account to learn more about the scheme.

According to police, the administrator, who identified himself as “Syafiq”, convinced the retiree that only a small investment was needed to generate substantial profits.

The victim was allegedly promised lucrative returns from investments starting at just RM350, while another individual known as “Hasiah” was introduced as the company’s investment manager.

Believing the scheme to be genuine, the victim carried out seven separate transactions between April 16 and April 29, transferring a total of RM36,765 into five different local bank accounts through online banking and cash deposit machines.

However, the victim later became suspicious when the company repeatedly demanded additional payments before allowing him to withdraw his capital and supposed profits.

Realising he had been scammed, the retiree lodged a police report.

Police are currently investigating the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

Superintendent Hadzrat urged the public to remain cautious when dealing with unknown individuals online, particularly in matters involving investments and money transfers.

He also advised people to verify suspicious bank accounts through the Semak Mule platform and to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 if they suspect they have fallen victim to a scam.