BAU: A 22-year-old self-employed man here lost nearly RM27,000 after allegedly falling victim to an online illegal money-lending scheme earlier this year.
District Police Chief, Supt Mohd Haide A. Rahman, said the victim lodged a report on Feb 5 after being repeatedly harassed for repayments despite having paid more than the amount he received.
He said the victim initially came across a website offering online work opportunities in early January and was later added into a WhatsApp group by an agent.
“The agent taught him how to earn money by placing product orders. After completing each order, the victim submitted proof of the transaction to the agent and was paid RM30.
“Attracted by the initial returns, the victim went on to place four more orders. However, upon the fifth order, he was instructed to make a payment of RM5,000.
“As he did not have sufficient funds, the victim then searched on Google for personal loan options,” he said in a statement.
Between Jan 17 and Feb 1, the victim allegedly took 18 online loans amounting to RM69,600 but only received RM3,680, while making payments totalling RM30,577 to 13 different bank accounts.
Despite this, police said the lenders continued to contact and pressure him for further payments.
The case is being investigated under Section 5(2) of the Moneylenders Act 1951 for unlicensed money-lending activities.
Police advised the public to exercise caution when dealing with online job offers and loan advertisements, and to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre via 997 if they suspect they have been scammed.
