Lost retirement savings on bad investment

Many years ago, John (not his real name) met me. He worked as a security guard. He looked sad. He told me that he had invested $300,000 in buying several plots of land from Profitable Group. It was supposed to give him a retirement income. His investment was stuck. He had to work as a security guard to earn an income. His health was not good, but he had no choice. He had made a big mistake.

A few years later, he saw me again.

John - Mr. Tan. What do you think about my investment in the land plots. Do you think that I have a chance to get my money back?

TKL - Honestly, there is no chance. The company had been raided by the police. You had the titles to the land plots. You have to look for a buyer. Nobody is interested to buy the land plots at the price that you had bought.

John - (really sad face). Why does MAS allow this type of company to sell the investments to ordinary people?

TKL - I don't know. Sorry.

Recently, John saw me again.

John - Mr. Tan, my wife and I voted for you during the Presidential election. Are you able to help me to get my money back?

TKL - I really don't know how.

Over the years, John had become more angry and more desperate. I felt pity for John, although it was unfair of him to harass me over his financial problem.