A jade dream ends in devastation

SIBU: An elderly business owner’s dream of purchasing a jade item for his collection turned into a nightmare when he lost RM580,000 to an e-commerce scam.
The victim, who is in his late 60s, encountered an unknown individual on Facebook while at home in mid-November, said Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata in a statement on Saturday (Dec 21).
The scammer directed the victim to a website, https://www.yubao-jade.com, which offered a wide variety of jade items.
Attracted by the website’s offerings, the victim initiated communication with the suspect via WhatsApp.
The victim then made multiple deposits into a bank account provided by the suspect, totalling approximately RM580,000.
He only realised he had been scammed when the suspect continued to demand additional payments.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
Mancha advised the public to exercise caution when engaging in online purchases, particularly those offered through social media platforms.
He also advised the public to check for unlicensed or unauthorised entities through resources provided by Bank Negara Malaysia at www.bnm.gov.my or via its helpline at 1-300-88-5465, as well as through the Securities Commission Malaysia at www.sc.com.my or by calling 03-6204 8999.