Abstract:57 Malaysians have collectively lost an estimated RM8.7 million since 2018 after being lured into a fraudulent investment scheme that promised extraordinary profits. Victims were told that a small upfront payment would “activate” vast sums of wealth allegedly locked in foreign banks in Europe.
This investment scam claimed that billions in cash and gold belonged to a wealthy individual from a neighbouring country, supposedly stored in financial institutions in the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Investors were persuaded that their contribution of RM1,000 could unlock access to these funds and yield a return of US$3 million.
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One of the victims, 45-year-old businessman Bakri, recounted how he lost RM320,000 after being introduced to the scheme in 2022 by a trusted acquaintance acting as an agent. He initially deposited RM1,000 and was convinced to continue investing as the so-called leader persistently urged him to add more money.
Bakri described feeling as though he had been “mesmerised” by the promises and assurances. Each request for more funds was met without hesitation until he began questioning the lack of returns. When he attempted to withdraw his money, he was threatened with losing his entire investment if he persisted.
He, along with 56 others, has since lodged police reports and sought support from the Malaysia International Humanity Organisation (MHO). Losses among the victims ranged from several thousand to hundreds of thousands of ringgit.
MHO explained that the complainants never received any of the promised profits. Instead, they were given a series of excuses, including claims of technical issues with foreign banks and incomplete transfer procedures. The organisation confirmed that the company behind the scheme was not registered with any recognised financial authority in Malaysia.
Police have since opened 30 reports under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which deals with cheating. Seven remain under active investigation, while one has been classified as requiring no further action.
This case reflects the common tactics used by fraudsters:
The “activation” scam is a textbook example of how greed, trust, and manipulation can combine to devastate unsuspecting individuals.
Investment fraud is on the rise globally, affecting traders of all experience levels. WikiFX serves as an independent, international third-party platform dedicated to evaluating and verifying the safety and reliability of FX brokers. Our comprehensive database covers more than 70,000 brokers, enabling investors to research broker profiles, regulatory agencies, financial licences, and safety indicators with confidence.
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The RM8.7 million lost in this fraudulent scheme is a painful reminder of how easily even savvy professionals can be misled by the allure of fast wealth. For investors, the lesson is clear: promises of extraordinary profits are almost always a red flag.
In an era where scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, vigilance is essential. Before committing to any investment, verify first with WikiFX. That one step could be the difference between building wealth and losing everything.
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