About 400,000 people are believed to have fallen victim to the controversial JJ Poor to Rich (JJPTR) investment scheme, says Bukit Aman Commercial CID director Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

He said the victims were made up of 300,000 locals while the rest were foreigners.

Based on initial investigations, the smallest investment made by investors was RM4,500 and there were victims who invested up to RM100,000, he added.

"So far, the police have only received less than 10 police reports on the investment scheme. We want more victims to come forward to report," he told a media conference after opening the 2017 Commercial Crime Awareness Campaign in conjunction with the 210th Police Day at Jakel Mall here today.

On Tuesday, three local men believed to be involved in JJPTR, including its mastermind were detained in Petaling Jaya to facilitate investigations.

Meanwhile, Acryl Sani said the amount of losses in fraud cases such as get-rich-quick schemes and love scams exceeded RM1 billion annually.

"I believe the losses could be higher as many victims did not lodge police report. The victims involved should not feel embarrassed in making reports as the police keep their sensitive information secret," he said.

-- BERNAMA