IPOH: A 23-year-old housewife lost about RM18,408 after falling victim to a part-time work-from-home scam that promised commissions for packing goods.
Bagan Datuk OCPD Supt Mohammad Ali Mohd Jali said the victim came across a Facebook advertisement at 9.44am on Sept 30.
“The victim came across an advertisement on the Facebook account 'Cheritap01’ offering a work-from-home job packing goods with commissions.
“She then contacted the phone number provided in the advertisement and was directed to Telegram to continue the matter," he said in a statement on Saturday (Oct 4).
“She was asked to fill in a form containing her personal details and subsequently instructed to place orders to pack goods every day.
“She was told to deliver the goods after receiving them at her home,” he said.
However, he said that the victim was instructed to make advance payments for the forms or tasks assigned to her.
“The victim made 12 transactions to several bank accounts, resulting in total losses of RM18,408," he said.
He added that investigations found that the victim had been deceived after being repeatedly instructed to transfer money but was not paid any commission.
“The bank accounts provided were believed to be mule accounts, while the Facebook account used by the suspect was created for the purpose of the scam,” he said.
He said that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
He said that those convicted could face up to 10 years in prison, whipping and a fine.
He advised the public to be cautious and not be easily lured by online offers, loans or assistance promising financial rewards.
“We will continue to take proactive measures to combat online scams and appreciate the public’s cooperation in providing information to help curb such activities,” he added.
