Fake Investment Scams on Facebook & Telegram Malaysia: Loss Statistics and Impersonation Warnings
Fake Investment Scams Are Getting Worse
Over the past two years, Facebook and Telegram have become the primary channels for scammers offering "instant high-return investments". The modus operandi is simple: promise lucrative returns, fabricate testimonials, and create exclusive Telegram groups supposedly managed by "investment gurus".
More alarmingly, certain parties have been impersonating Tuan Maher Ilham on Telegram, offering fake investment schemes. This impersonation traps members of the public who trust well-known names in the stock market industry. Tuan Maher has never opened or offered personal investments through any Telegram channel, and he confirms that any such offer is 100% fraudulent.
Loss Statistics From Fake Investment Scams
This is not a minor issue. Here are the official figures reported:
- 2024: Online financial fraud crimes reached RM1.5 billion in losses with over 35,000 cases reported TV Sarawak.
- First 3 months of 2025: Already 2,026 fake investment cases reported, part of massive losses totalling RM573.7 million Sinar Harian.
- Sarawak (Jan–Jul 2025): 2,256 online fraud cases with RM77.7 million in losses, including fake investment schemes Suara Sarawak.
- 2023 (Jan–Oct): A total of 4,435 investigation papers on fake investments were opened, involving RM364.5 million in losses Malaysia Bangkit.
- Penang (Jan–Mar 2024): Losses from fake investments surged to RM20.56 million, compared to only RM5.8 million in the same period in 2023 Buletin Mutiara.
Conclusion: Every month, Malaysians lose millions of ringgit to fake investment syndicates operating actively on social media.
How They Trap Victims
- Impersonating well-known figures – As in the case of Maher Ilham, his name and photos are used without permission.
- FOMO techniques (fear of missing out) – Claiming there are "limited slots" or "today-only promotions".
- Fabricated testimonials – Profit screenshots, "transfer proofs" and positive reviews are all manufactured.
- Fake Telegram groups – Hundreds of members (actually bot accounts) pretending to give support.
How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
Report immediately to NSRC (997) if you have any doubts.
Verify investment licences on the official websites of the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) before investing any money. You can check here whether an individual or company is licenced or not.
Use PDRM''s SemakMule portal to verify recipient accounts before making transfers.
Do not trust any Telegram channel using Maher Ilham''s name – he has never opened any investment scheme of that nature.
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Read Also:
Avoid the top 5 mistakes beginners make in the stock market.
FAQ: Fake Investment Scams in Malaysia
How do I check if an investment is legitimate in Malaysia?
Verify the investment licence on the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) website at easy.seccom.com.my. You can also check with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and use PDRM''s SemakMule portal to verify recipient bank accounts before transferring any money.
What should I do if I suspect an investment scam?
Report immediately to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) by calling 997. You should also lodge a police report and report the suspicious account through PDRM''s SemakMule portal. The faster you report, the higher the chance of recovering your funds.
How much have Malaysians lost to fake investment scams?
In 2024 alone, Malaysians lost over RM1.5 billion to online financial fraud, with more than 35,000 cases reported. In the first three months of 2025, losses already reached RM573.7 million. These figures continue to rise each year.