AUTHORITIES have warned of a surge in online job scams in Kuantan, with victims collectively losing nearly RM60,000 to fraudsters exploiting social media platforms.
Deputy District Police Chief, Superintendent Mohd Adli Mat Daud, said syndicates offering seemingly simple part-time assignments with small initial commissions are among the tactics employed.
Victims are further enticed through parcels containing food containers and gifts such as water bottles, purportedly from social media applications, delivered to their homes.
“The syndicate also becomes more cunning, using different bank account numbers to evade authorities,” he said in a statement on Monday.
He explained that the fraud unfolds when victims scan a QR code on the parcel. Between 25 October and 2 November, police received six reports related to online part-time job scams.
“All victims were deceived via platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp and Telegram, with offers involving tasks like ‘like & share’ and ‘screenshot’ in return for commissions,” Mohd Adli said.
The cases are currently being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
He urged the public to remain cautious, advising: “Do not easily trust online part-time job offers promising substantial returns. Avoid suspicious links or sharing personal information with strangers.”
Mohd Adli also recommended verifying recipient accounts through the Portal Semak Mule before making payments and reporting suspected scams to the National Scam Response Center at 997 or the nearest police station. - November 3, 2025
