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Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Malay Mail
Sibu trader loses over RM79,000 in online gift box scam
SIBU, Aug 15 — A local trader lost over RM79,000 after being deceived by an offer of lucrative returns through an online prize draw scam earlier this month. Sibu district police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said the victim, a man in his 50s, was first deceived while watching a live broadcast on Facebook promoting a gift box draw on Aug 7. The victim made a payment of RM499 to the provided account to participate in the activity, but did not win any prizes. After that, the victim received a call via the WhatsApp application from an international number. "The caller introduced himself as Mr Teng from Shanghai, China, claiming to represent a gold company that was about to open a branch in Malaysia and would be holding a prize draw in the form of gift boxes containing USD (US dollar) cash and the opportunity to become a business partner," he said in a statement today. He said the victim agreed to buy 80 gift boxes and made payment to the account provided by the suspect. On Aug 12, the victim received a call from a woman named Miss Lee, who informed him that the gift box had been opened and that the victim had supposedly won USD288,888.88 (RM1,218,677.74) in cash, which would be transferred to his account on the same day. From Aug 7 to 13, the victim made 11 transactions totalling RM79,499 to two local accounts, but no money was received and the victim's WhatsApp messages were blocked. 'The victim became suspicious and filed a police report on Aug 14. Police confirmed they received the report," he said. Zulkipli reminded the public to be cautious about participating in online prize draws whose authenticity cannot be verified to avoid becoming victims of fraud. Any advice or further information can be obtained from the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 or the Facebook page @cybercrimealertrmp@jsjpdrm. Checking suspicious bank accounts and phone numbers can be done through the website — Bernama
Independent Singapore
30-05-2025
- General
- Independent Singapore
Training or just a photo op? Dog school responds to viral ‘happy group shot'
SINGAPORE: A video of dogs being made to sit for a long period of time, at times appearing to be forced into place, was widely viewed earlier this week. It sparked a debate among viewers, some of whom felt that dogs should not be treated this way. However, others said they saw nothing wrong. The video was posted on a local Facebook page by Sabrinna Gwee. The 7-minute-long clip shows a group of dogs in a park with their trainers, where they appear to be posing for pictures. 'Is it really necessary to spend more than 10 minutes tugging at leashes and forcing dogs that clearly don't want to sit pretty for your ego promotional photos on Instagram?' Ms Gwee asked in the caption to her video, adding that she would prefer for her own dog to be filmed 'playing around and having fun.' She criticised the company behind the photo shoot, writing that she believes 'there needs to be more awareness about what goes behind those 'happy group pictures' dog daycares post.' In an update to her post, she wrote that the company, Tails N Trails School For Dogs, had replied to her, but added that she did not want to pursue the matter further. When The Independent Singapore (TISG) reached out to Tails N Trails for further comment, the owner, Mr Teng, told us that the video had been all about the dogs' training, which the company discusses with all of its clients. Had Ms Gwee or other observers approached the trainers and expressed their concerns, they would have made this clear, he said, adding that Tails N Trails specialises in individualised training programs for each dog. Some commenters agreed with Ms Gwee's point of view. Others, however, especially those who have engaged the services of Tails N Trails, put in a good word for the company, saying that in their experience, the company's trainers prioritised dogs' well-being. The issue was brought to the attention of TISG by one of our readers, Calista Lim, who also found the video troubling. 'Multiple dogs appeared visibly distressed—some trying to wriggle free or look around nervously while others were pulled back into position. This entire process was allegedly carried out purely for social media content,' she said. Ms Lim also highlighted the trend of using pets for social media content, which she says is on the increase, as well as a lack of regulation or accountability in some pet-related services. However, Mr Teng told TISG that there may be other companies that use overly forceful methods with dogs, and agreed that there needs to be better regulation of the industry. As a dog owner herself, Ms Lim added that she understands the importance of capturing fur babies' significant moments, but added that people should also be mindful that they are not subjected to 'long, uncomfortable, and stressful setups—especially under the sweltering Singapore heat.' In its response to the Facebook video via IG stories, Tails N Trails underlined the importance of training when it comes to keeping dogs safe, posting testimonials from satisfied clients. 'Training sit/stay was more than just a cute photo op to us,' a client wrote, adding that it teaches dogs to learn impulse control so they can go on walks without choking themselves from tugging, as well as be able to tune in to commands in dangerous situations. Moreover, the dogs that the company has trained have thrived under their care, and they have even saved some from being euthanised. Tails N Trails also invited people who think they mistreat dogs, saying, 'come up to us, find out more,' instead of merely posting online. /TISG Read also: Fur baby's mum appeals to cyclists to 'slow down near pedestrians and pets' after a hit-and-run incident that shattered her dog's jaw
