Perak: A factory worker lost RM210,000 in life savings after falling victim to a non-existent investment scheme advertised on Facebook.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the victim, known only as Chan, 47, encountered the advertisement on March 26, which promoted a high-return investment opportunity that spurred him to invest. Chan reached out to an individual named Linda via WhatsApp, who claimed to be a remisier or investment intermediary.

Chan explained, "The investment seemed legitimate as I was instructed to download the 'Citi CDT' App from the Apple Store. The app verified, and I started by investing RM10,000 on the same day," he said during a press conference at the Perak MCA Building. Over time, Chan made five additional transfers between April 2 and April 28 using online banking, cash deposit machines, and over-the-counter transactions to four different bank accounts.

Chan stated that he was later told he would receive returns of nearly RM1.7 million, but only if he made an additional payment of RM190,472.40, which was purportedly needed to release the profits. "After checking with several friends, they told me I had been scammed. I then lodged a police report at the Sungai Senam police station," he added.

Meanwhile, Perak MCA Public Services and Complaints Bureau chief Yuen Chan How has called for authorities to thoroughly investigate the case. Yuen noted that scammers have evolved their tactics, now using legitimate-looking apps available on platforms like the Apple Store or Google Play to deceive victims. He advised the public to exercise caution before investing, emphasizing that no genuine investment scheme would require payment just to withdraw profits.