Boon Heong Reveals Losing RM2.5 Mil To A Scam After Fellow Shuttler Suffers Similar Fate
Both national badminton players recently took to social media to share about how they were defrauded.
By May Vin Ang — 04 Jun 2024, 11:22 AM
Former national badminton player Tan Boon Heong has taken to social media in solidarity with fellow Malaysian shuttler Lai Pei Jing after she recently revealed that she was scammed of her life savings
In a Facebook post on Monday, 3 June, the former world No. 1 doubles player shared that he suffered a similar fate, losing a total of about RM2.5 million in investment scams.
"Seeing my fellow shuttler getting scammed reminds me of when I was scammed too.
"Remember, putting your hard-earned money into someone else's hands and expecting to get it back is unlikely. I suggest focusing on what you can control. If you can't control it, don't get involved," wrote Tan.
He went on Facebook Live to detail how he was defrauded by people he knew, including a friend whose child is also a badminton player. He said that friend has since "vanished".
"I was scammed twice, once for USD500,000 (RM2.3 million) and another time for RM160,000. If you really want to invest, you should be the 'banker', not the 'player'," Tan advised, as quoted by the New Straits Times.
He added that he wanted to recount his misfortune on social media to remind people to be cautious when investing.
On Sunday, 2 June, mixed doubles player Lai took to social media to share that she had fallen victim to a scam syndicate
In a Facebook post, Lai said she has lost most of her life savings and asked for personal space to process her thoughts and emotions.
"Yes, I was scammed of almost all my savings by a fraud group.
"Honestly, this has been an extremely heavy blow to me. My hard-earned savings from decades of hard work," the 31-year-old said.
"It takes great courage to speak out about being scammed because who wants to tell others that they were foolishly deceived, right?
"Once I've adjusted to the situation, I'll share more about it. I hope to prevent more victims and also force myself to accept the fact that I was scammed," she further explained.
The badminton player added that she is working closely with the local authorities.
The police said they have launched an investigation into Lai's case after receiving a report on the matter
According to the New Straits Times, Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said preliminary investigations showed that Lai had used an app called 'Dobevil', whereby victims are encouraged to buy and sell goods online.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
