A SENIOR citizen has lost RM289,000 after being tricked into investing in a non-existent online investment scheme.

He told police that he was introduced to the scheme by a woman on social media whom he befriended last month.

Batu Pahat district police chief Ismail Dollah said the 68-year-old local man claimed that he was dealing with the woman through Facebook and WhatsApp.

He said the victim was duped by the suspect to participate in an investment scheme with guaranteed profits.

“The victim was asked to download the ‘Nicshare’ app by clicking on a link. He provided information such as name, identity card number and bank account details for registration,” Ismail said in a statement today.

“The victim was also told how to operate the app and that he would gain profits according to his investment.”

He said the victim transferred money to seven bank accounts between August 24 and September 21.

“The victim only realised that he was cheated after not receiving any profits despite investing a significant amount. He then lodged a police report,” he said. – Bernama, September 23, 2023.