A 71-year-old woman in Kuching lost RM527,130 after falling for an online part-time job scam on TikTok, making 23 transactions to 16 bank accounts.
KUCHING: An elderly woman has lost more than RM500,000 after falling victim to an online part-time job scam syndicate operating through TikTok.
Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the 71-year-old victim received a job offer via a message from an unknown individual last September.
Attracted by the promise of lucrative commissions, the victim agreed to join the programme and was assigned several tasks.
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During her “part-time work,” the victim made 23 transactions totalling RM527,130 to 16 different bank accounts as instructed.
She realised she had been deceived when she failed to receive the promised commissions.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
This section provides for a prison sentence of one to 10 years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.
Alexson Naga revealed that 49 investigation papers for cases with the same modus operandi have been opened since January.
These cases involve total losses of RM2.26 million.
“The public is advised to always be wary of online part-time job offers that promise lucrative returns,” he said.
He urged people to immediately check with authorities if they receive dubious offers. – Bernama
