N.Sembilan police detect new scam tactic via online job offers

Negeri Sembilan Commercial CID chief, Supt Aibee Ab Ghani said between February and July, a total of 25 investigation papers were opened involving a total loss of RM570,000 with the highest amount recorded at RM138,000.

He said, the modus operandi used by the suspects was through advertising full-time or part-time job vacancies either through WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook applications and interested individuals would click on the given link that used the logo of an online shopping platform.

"The suspect will then communicate with the victim and give instructions for the work that needs to be done with the promise of a profit of between five to 10 per cent of the capital contributed.

"Victims need to sell the items available by first buying them according to the prescribed units and the payment will be refunded along with the commission for each sale made," he said in a statement here today.

He said the victim would then be instructed to deposit money into an individual or private business account given by the suspect.

Usually, the victim will be able to get the capital and profit at the initial stage but when he starts depositing large amount of money, the victim's phone number will be blocked and he will not be able to contact the suspect again, Aibee explained.

He said the latest case yesterday involved a 33-year-old woman who claimed to have suffered a loss of RM10,049 after being duped by a part-time job offer advertisement to promote goods from an online shopping platform on Facebook.

"Members of the public can check the suspected telephone number or bank account provided with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) website, Semak Mule," he said.