Gigolo scam leaves handyman RM2,500 poorer

KUANTAN: A handyman's attempt at becoming a gigolo ended up with him getting cheated of RM2,500 instead.

Choo, 37, said he needed money to win back his girlfriend after they had quarrel, so he got in contact with a so-called "male escorts' agent" introduced by his friends.

"This agent named Kent told me I could earn up to RM3,000 for three hours' work," Choo said at Teruntum assemblyman Sim Chon Siang's office here Friday.

However, Choo was told to deposit RM1,000 into the agent's bank account as a processing fee and another RM1,500 as a finder's fee.

Choo was told his first client would be a 35-year-old bank manager, but when he showed up at the hotel for the appointment at 2.45am on July 3, nobody was there.

"I tried to contact Kent but he had blocked me. I then realised I had been cheated. I just want Kent to return my money," he said.

Choo said he regretted his decision because his girlfriend found out what he tried to do and has been refusing to answer his calls as well.

Sim advised Choo to lodge a police report as he was a victim of a scam.

Sim also said a check with the Companies Commission revealed that the Kent's bank accounts was registered as a clothing and accessories shop in Kuala Lumpur.

"This may be a syndicate that has cheated many men," he said.