A 28-YEAR-OLD engineer has lost RM27,580 after falling victim to an alleged online scam involving the purchase of sexual services advertised through social media, police said.
Brickfields District Police Chief Hoo Chang Hook said the victim was browsing TikTok at his residence in Bangsar on April 17 when he clicked on a link that redirected him to WhatsApp.
He was then offered a so-called “service package” and proceeded to make 22 transactions into six different bank accounts.
“The victim then made 22 transactions to six different accounts.
“After making all payments totalling RM27,580, the victim was asked to make additional payments but became suspicious before lodging a police report,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Police said initial investigations found that the syndicate allegedly imposed additional charges for each “booking cancellation” and threatened victims with public exposure on social media if they refused to comply.
“If victims refuse to follow instructions, they will be exposed on social media,” he said, describing the intimidation tactic used by the suspects.
Hoo added that police have recently received several cases involving similar modus operandi, suggesting a growing trend of such scams.
He said investigations are ongoing and the case is being probed under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. - April 21, 2026
