A JERANTUT restaurant owner has fallen victim to an online investment scam, losing RM783,000 after being lured by promises of extraordinarily high returns of up to 85 per cent.

Pahang Deputy Police Chief Datuk Azry Akmar Ayob revealed that the 30-year-old victim was first approached through a Facebook advertisement on 17 September, offering lucrative stock investment opportunities.

The individual, identified only as ‘Christy’, assured the victim of daily returns ranging from RM550 to RM600.

“Between 20 October and 7 December, the victim made 23 separate money transfers to five different bank accounts, totalling RM783,000.

“However, after the payments were made, he was unable to withdraw any profits and was subsequently asked to make additional payments,” Datuk Azry stated in a press release today.

Investigations indicate that the victim’s funds were drawn from a combination of personal savings, business reserves, family loans, and proceeds from the sale of jewellery.

Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and report any suspected scam activity immediately to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) via hotline 997.

“This case highlights the sophisticated methods fraudsters use on social media to lure unsuspecting investors with promises of unrealistic profits. Public vigilance remains crucial,” Datuk Azry added. – December 10, 2025