KUALA LUMPUR: Beware of an academy allegedly issuing fake certificates for aesthetician courses.
So far, a group of victims have come forward, with some spending up to RM180,000 for certificates not recognised by any governing body.
A victim, who only wished to be known as Wong, said she saw the advertisement for the courses offered by the academy on Facebook.
"It looked legitimate, so I decided to enrol.
"So far I've spent RM130,000, but in the end the academy kept piling up the charges without me even starting the course," said Wong, in her 30s, during a press conference organised by the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head, Datuk Seri Michael Chong, on Wednesday (May 13).
She added that the academy even claimed there was a waiting list to enrol in the aesthetic courses.
Another victim, Lee, in her 30s, said she had already spent two years attending classes before realising she had obtained a fake certificate.
"I already spent more than RM100,000.
"The classes held by the academy were conducted in hotels.
"I have never seen an actual headquarters for the academy," she added.
Meanwhile, Chong said the academy even forged the logo of a reputable public university on its certificates to make them seem genuine.
"So far, eight victims have come forward, but I think it is only the tip of the iceberg.
"I believe the university administrators are also aware and have already lodged a police report," he said, adding that the victims have lodged police reports as well.
Due to this scam, the dreams of the victims of becoming a beautician or aesthetician have been dashed, he said.
"We urge those who have had similar experiences to come forward as soon as possible.
"We also hope the authorities can take immediate action on the matter," he said.
