KUALA LUMPUR: The police have detected a new tactic by scammers, who claim they can help victims retrieve their stolen funds, says Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf.

The Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director said so-called agents were offering “services” to process the retrieval of funds that had been transferred to mule accounts.

“The actual process to retrieve funds lost due to scams has to (be done via legal means).

“Investigations by relevant agencies, including the police and banks, must be completed before the court decides whether the funds can be returned to the victims,” he said yesterday.

Any offer by individuals who claim they can assist in the retrieval of the funds is definitely a scam, Comm Ramli warned.

“So far, we have not received any police report on the matter, but I will not be surprised if we do eventually.

“Thus, we remind the public to be wary of such offers and not be duped by them,” he said.

On another matter, Comm Ramli said 97 police reports have been lodged against an investment scam dubbed Pantheon Ventures.

“The losses suffered by the victims have reached RM41mil.

“Investigations showed that the minimum capital needed to invest in the scheme is about RM50,000 and this has caused every victim to suffer significant losses,” he said.

The biggest losses were incurred by a 63-year-old company director, who was left RM5.75mil poorer.

“The victim lodged a report in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 15.

“He said he got to know about the investment scheme on Facebook, and was then included in a WhatsApp group and instructed to transfer funds to a bank account for the purpose of investment.

“He eventually transferred RM5.75mil in 26 transactions. Till now, he has not received any returns or profits,” he said.

Comm Ramli said any investment offer on social media platforms must be regarded as a scam.

“I hope the people understand and are clear on this. If they want to make any investment, do it safely through investment schemes certified by the relevant authorities,” he said.

Lately, offers on initial public offering shares have gone viral on social media, he said.

“Always be wary and careful of any type of investment offer.

“Even if an investment scheme is promoted by a religious figure, it does not guarantee the scheme is genuine.

“Double check with the relevant authorities before investing,” he reiterated.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/30/double-scam-whammy