KUCHING: A retired man in his 70s from Padawan has fallen victim to a non-existent online investment scheme, losing over RM500,000 in the process.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata confirmed that a police report was lodged after the victim, while browsing the internet from his home in mid-March 2025, came across an advertisement by a company known as HIFA (Himin International Finance Academy). The company was promoting free investment classes, which caught the victim’s attention.
“The victim clicked on the provided link and submitted his personal details. He was then contacted by an unknown man, believed to be the suspect, who added him into a WhatsApp group named ‘Homin International Finance Academic’,” Mancha said.
The suspect acted as the administrator of the group, instructed the victim to download an app called “PHCview” as part of the investment process.
“Trusting the scheme, the victim proceeded to make several transactions amounting to RM500,000 into a bank account provided by the suspect,” Mancha added.
The fraud only came to light after the victim came across a newspaper article describing similar investment scams and realised he had been duped. Up until the police report was filed, the victim had not received any of the promised returns.
Mancha urged the public to be more cautious when dealing with online investment offers.
“Do not be easily swayed by advertisements offering free investment courses or guaranteed returns. Always verify the legitimacy of the companies involved through official channels,” he advised.
Investigations into the case are ongoing.
By Connie Chieng