RM1.23 million lost via part-time job scams; Malaysian police investigate scam syndicate operating via WhatsApp

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — Between the period of January to June this year, a part-time job scam syndicate has caused losses of over RM1.23 million, according to a report by the Malaysian police. A total of 104 investigations have been initiated and are under investigation in connection with this syndicate. Chief Supt. M Hussin Sollehuddin Zolkifly, deputy police of Petaling Jaya, said in a statement on Wednesday (12 Jul) that the scam operates by offering victims part-time work promising high commissions through the Whatsapp application.

Victims are then assigned tasks and instructed to make payments to the suspects' mule accounts, he explained. Once the victims have performed the payment, they are then informed that they have successfully completed the assigned tasks and will receive the according commission promised to them. “Deceived by the commission obtained for the first time, the victims become more confident and continue the next tasks with higher commission. They will only realise that they have been cheated when the commission payment fails to come through and the suspects become uncontactable,” he elaborated further. The police encourage the public to exercise caution and not be swayed by the allure of quick and substantial returns. “Be careful if you receive a message on any offer. Check the validity before acting. Avoid becoming a victim in this borderless world,” he stated, The public has been warned to thoroughly verify any offers they receive before taking any action and is always advised to remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to such scams.