WOMAN FACES THREATS AFTER FALLING PREY TO UNLICENSED LOAN TRAP 

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- A woman has been facing threats from unlicensed moneylenders advertised on social media after falling into debt exceeding RM100,000.  

Brickfields District Police Chief ACP Hoo Chang Hook said the 34-year-old woman, who works as an officer at a private company, initially took a RM2,000 loan from an agent but only received RM1,400 before repaying the full RM2,000 last July.  

“The victim later received another loan offer of RM4,000 on Oct 28 through the WhatsApp application but refused to proceed with it. However, she claimed that she was threatened and coerced by the parties involved before finally agreeing.  

“Nevertheless, the victim only received RM2,100 and had repaid RM1,500, but continued to receive multiple loan offers from unknown numbers,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.  

He said the victim subsequently took several new loans to settle previous debts and has so far made 16 loans from individuals claiming to be moneylenders.  

“The total amount of loans taken was RM126,600, with repayments amounting to RM151,400, but the parties involved continued to demand additional payments and threatened the victim for failing to pay,” he said.  

He said investigations found that all transactions were made to several bank accounts believed to be used by the same syndicate, and the case is being investigated under Section 5(2) of the Moneylenders Act 1951.  

In a separate case, Hoo said an elderly man lost RM659,000 after being deceived by an online investment scam recently.  

He said the 65-year-old man’s phone number was added to an investment WhatsApp group on Sept 12 and was offered an “off-market” investment purportedly operated by a financial institution, dealing with two individuals, a man and a woman.  

“The victim, lured by promises of high returns, made eight transactions into two different accounts between Oct 7 and 29 amounting to RM659,000,” he said.  

The case is being investigated under Sections 420 and 424 of the Penal Code for further action.  

Hoo advised the public to be cautious of investment offers promising high returns within a short period, especially those promoted through social media, messaging apps, or suspicious websites. 

-- BERNAMA