Online Job Scam: A Housewife Loses RM50,550
The Scam
A housewife in her 40s has fallen victim to an online job scam, losing a staggering RM50,550. According to Supt Mohd Razi Rosli, Kemaman district police chief, the housewife was duped into making 24 transactions between March 5 and 14, totalling RM50,500, after being promised commissions between 4% to 10% for hotel bookings.
How the Scam Unfolded
The victim, 47, came across a part-time job offer on Instagram on March 3 and contacted the suspect, also a woman, on WhatsApp to get more information. The suspect provided her with an assignment to make several payments for hotel bookings online, promising the victim a commission for each transaction.
The Consequence
The victim made the required payments, but soon realized that she was scammed when she did not receive any of the promised commissions. It was then that she lodged a police report at the Chukai police station in Kemaman on March 15.
The Investigation
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, and Supt Razi Rosli has assured that the police are working to apprehend the suspect and recover the stolen funds.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the importance of being cautious when responding to online job offers, especially those that seem too good to be true. It is crucial to verify the authenticity of such offers and to be wary of suspicious transactions. The victim in this case was duped by the suspect’s promises of high commissions, and it is essential to remember that no legitimate job can offer such guarantees.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an online job scam?
An online job scam is a type of fraud where a victim is tricked into making payments for a job, only to discover that it is a scam. - How did the victim fall victim to the scam?
The victim saw a part-time job offer on Instagram and contacted the suspect on WhatsApp for more information, ultimately making 24 transactions totaling RM50,500. - What is being done to investigate the case?
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, and the police are working to apprehend the suspect and recover the stolen funds.