NEGRI Sembilan police have detected a new scam tactic involving syndicates using job vacancies posted by a well-known online shopping company.

Negri Sembilan Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Aibee Ab Ghani said between February and July, 25 investigation papers were opened involving a total loss of RM570,000, with the highest amount recorded at RM138,000.

He said the syndicates’ modus operandi is through advertising full-time or part-time job vacancies either via WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook and interested individuals would click on the given link that used the logo of an online shopping platform.

“The suspect will then communicate with the victim and give instructions for the work that needs to be done with the promise of a profit of between 5% and 10% of the capital contributed,” he said in a statement here today.

“The victim needs to sell the items available by first buying them according to the prescribed units and the payment will be refunded along with the commission for each sale made.”  

He said the victim would then be instructed to deposit money in an individual or private business account given by the suspect.

Usually, the victim will be able to get the capital and profit at the initial stage, but when he starts depositing large amount of money, the victim’s phone number will be blocked and he will not be able to contact the suspect again, Aibee said.

He said the latest case yesterday involved a 33-year-old woman who claimed to have suffered a loss of RM10,049 after being duped by a part-time job offer advertisement to promote goods from an online shopping platform on Facebook.

“Members of the public can check the suspected telephone number or bank account on the police website, Semak Mule,” he said. – Bernama, August 2, 2021.