Sarawak police commissioner Mancha Ata said the clerk, in her 50s, received a WhatsApp message promoting the investment via the “FTSE VIP” app from a woman at the end of November.

The sender then shared information on the investment, which purportedly offered profits of between 200% and 350%, Mancha said in a statement today.

“Intrigued by the offer, the victim made 15 online transactions amounting to RM240,000 to three separate company bank accounts between the end of November and December.

“She only realised she had been cheated when she did not receive any returns as promised,” he said, adding that she lodged a report on Dec 28.

Mancha said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating,  punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, whipping and a fine upon conviction.