Cops bust scam syndicate using fake overseas job offers

PETALING JAYA: Scammers offering fake jobs have finally been caught by the long arm of the law after duping victims since 2020.

Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Mohd Kamarudin Md Din, in a statement Friday (April 29), said that the group operated by offering fake job offers in Australia via online advertisements.

After a victim shows interest, they will be told to prepare their documents for the supposed jobs, and pay several fees.

"The syndicate will charge around RM1,400 for the processing costs and a screenshot of their application will be sent to reassure the victims.

"But the real application would not be created and after payment, the scammers would send copies of fake documents to the victims using letterheads from the Australian Department of Home Affairs," he said.

Investigations showed that the group targeted locals and foreigners staying in Malaysia. They also changed the name of their company regularly to avoid detection.

Some of the names used online were "Top Speed Agency Visa", "Cos Consulting Agency" and "Eco Travel Malaysia".

Checks showed that there were 658 pending applications from victims, Comm Kamarudin said.

"On April 27, two raids were conducted in the Klang Valley leading to nine arrests. The suspects are aged between 20 and 31 years old.

"Based on information gathered, 1,023 people have lodged complaints regarding this scam. A total of 28 police reports have also been received, with losses amounting to RM155,472," he said.

Comm Kamarudin urged the people to be more wary of such scams and to check on any suspicious job offers.

He also urged past victims of this syndicate to come forward and lodge police reports.