GEORGE TOWN: A click on what appeared to be a bank’s legitimate fast-loan advertisement on social media subjected Bryan Teow to months of intimidation, threats and repeated demands for money.
The education entrepreneur ultimately lost nearly RM400,000 after making payments to nine different bank accounts, including personal and corporate ones.
His 20-month ordeal began in August 2024 when he came across a Facebook advertisement promoting a bank’s fast-loan facility.
Teow, 50, had applied for a RM20,000 loan and received RM17,800.
At the time, he was facing cash-flow difficulties stemming from legal matters in Hong Kong.
Shortly after submitting his application, he was contacted via WhatsApp by an individual claiming to be a bank officer.
“I did not verify the information carefully and chose to trust what he told me. That single click became the beginning of one of the most difficult periods of my life,” he said at a press conference at Komtar yesterday.
Teow became suspicious when the loan proceeds were deposited into his account by an individual rather than the bank.
He tried to return the money, but the individual claimed that additional payments were required before the matter could be resolved.
“The scammer demanded a lump-sum payment of RM100,000, claiming the case file would be closed once the amount was paid.
“I paid the RM100,000 because I thought that would be the end of it,” he said.
However, several months later, the scammer allegedly obtained his contact details and resumed the extortion.
He said the scammer showed him photographs and disclosed details about his company, leading him to believe the individual had connections with government agencies.
Teow said he remained silent for about 20 months, hoping the problem would disappear if he continued to cooperate.
“Looking back today, I realise that silence was not the solution,” he said, adding that he decided to seek help through proper legal channels instead of continuing to live in fear.
Teow has since lodged police reports and engaged legal counsel.
State infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the case highlighted how online loan scams had become increasingly sophisticated.
He urged members of the public who fall victim to scams to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre hotline at 997 within 24 hours of transferring funds.
They may also contact the Commercial Crime Investigation Department Scam Response Centre at 03-2610 1559 or 03-2610 1599, lodge complaints through the MCMC complaints portal, or contact the commission’s WhatsApp hotline at 016-220 6262.
