A TRADER in Johor has lost more than RM1.15 million after falling victim to a fraudulent part-time job scheme advertised on social media, Johor police confirmed on Tuesday.
Johor Police Chief, Commissioner Datuk M. Kumar, said the man, in his 40s, lodged a police report on Sunday, 22 June, alleging he was duped by an online scam promising high returns for purchasing and reselling goods.
“The victim came across a part-time job advertisement on social media on 26 March this year, where he was promised 25% commission for purchasing and reselling certain goods,” said Kumar.
After signing up for the scheme, the victim was directed to make multiple bank transfers, supposedly as part of the buying process. Over the course of several weeks, between 28 March and 13 June, he made 22 separate transactions into various accounts allegedly linked to the business.
“However, the victim did not receive any commission or returns as promised, and eventually realised he had been cheated,” Kumar said.
The case is now being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a penalty of one to ten years’ imprisonment, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.
Kumar cautioned the public to be extremely wary of social media job advertisements offering high commissions or requiring upfront payments.
“We advise the public to remain cautious and not fall easily for online job scams that seem too good to be true,” he warned.
He urged Malaysians to verify the legitimacy of job offers and online transactions using available resources, including the CCID Infoline, the ‘Semak Mule’ portal, and mobile apps such as Whoscall to check unknown contacts or account details.
“Prompt reporting can help freeze the suspect’s account and potentially recover funds before they are transferred out,” Kumar said, encouraging scam victims to immediately call the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997.
For regular updates on scam trends and prevention tips, the public is advised to follow the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) via its official pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok under the handle @Jabatan Siasatan Jenayah Komersil - JSJK PDRM. - June 24, 2025
