Deception under the guise of investment

Deception under the guise of investment

A number of people have reported to Jakarta police recently saying they are the victims of a deception under the guise of investment. Tempted by PT Gee Cosmos Indonesia's promises, about 25,000 people have invested some Rp 50 billion in the company.

The company, which is believed to have a central office in Japan, has promised to return profits of up to 30 percent of the value of the investment after several months. The profit offered by the company is much bigger than bank interest.

The funds collected from investors will be used to finance television advertisements in Japan for various company products with sale proceeds returned to investors, according to executives of the company.

However, executives and officials of PT Gee Cosmos Indonesia have disappeared and their whereabouts are unknown. Investors fear that they will lose their money.

The police will investigate the case when they have received enough data. The administrative procedures will delay the investigation into the case and give the culprits a greater opportunity to flee along with the money.

We should use our common sense so as not to become the victims of deceptions. We can only hope that they will get back at least part of their funds after the police have tackled the case.

-- Warta Kota, Jakarta