Trader loses over RM500,000 in online job scam
Kuala Terengganu district police chief Assistant Commissioner Azli Mohd Noor said the 38-year-old victim is a fruit and grocery trader at a local market and also sells cattle.
Azli said that on May 14, the victim received a message from a Facebook friend offering a lucrative part-time job opportunity.
"Interested in the offer, the victim was then given further details about the job by the individual," he said.
The victim was instructed to make purchases of various items through a well-known shopping app, accessed via a link provided.
"After agreeing to the task, the victim was given a link to download the app and follow instructions accordingly," Azli added.
He said the victim was later contacted by someone claiming to be from customer service, who provided further assignments.
"Initially, the victim completed the tasks and received the promised payments. However, for subsequent tasks, the victim was told to complete multiple assignments before receiving any commissions."
Despite completing several more tasks, the victim did not receive the promised payments.
"The trader became suspicious, and realising he may have been scammed, lodged a police report at the Kuala Terengganu police station at 2.29pm yesterday.
"He suffered losses amounting to RM500,639," Azli said.
Azli revealed that the victim had made 38 transactions to 22 different bank accounts as part of the scam.
The funds came from the victim's personal savings, credit cards, and loans from acquaintances.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
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