KUCHING, Nov 30– An elderly woman lost more than RM500,000 after falling victim to an online part-time job scam syndicate via the TikTok app.
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the 71-year-old victim claimed she received a job offer via a message sent by an unknown individual last September via TK Shop.
“Attracted by the offer of a lucrative commission, the victim agreed to join the programme and was given several tasks to accomplish to get the promised lucrative commissions.
“During the ‘part-time work’, the victim made 23 transactions involving RM527,130 to 16 different bank accounts as instructed and realised she had been deceived when she failed to get the commission as promised,” he said in a statement.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides a prison sentence of between one and 10 years, whipping and a fine if convicted.
Meanwhile, Alexson Naga said a total of 49 investigation papers for cases with the same modus operandi have been opened since January this year, involving losses totalling RM2.26 million.
‘The public is advised to always be wary of online part-time job offers that promise lucrative returns and immediately check with the authorities if the offer is dubious,’ he said.
