Part-time job scams in Malaysia jumped 146% this year, with over 8,400 cases and RM202.58 million in losses reported by police.
KUALA LUMPUR: Part-time job scam cases in Malaysia surged 146% from January to mid-December this year compared to the same period in 2024.
A total of 8,484 cases were reported nationwide, with victims losing RM202.58 million.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the figure represents an increase of 5,033 cases from the 3,451 recorded last year.
Financial losses also rose by approximately 70% from the RM118.83 million recorded in 2024.
“This increase shows that such scam crimes are not only becoming more widespread, but are also causing a significant financial impact on victims,” he said in a statement.
Investigations found syndicates typically use social media and messaging apps to offer high-earning part-time jobs.
They then ask victims to make advance payments into mule accounts.
Rusdi reminded the public that legitimate employers never require job applicants to make upfront payments.
He urged people to exercise caution and refrain from sharing personal or banking details with strangers.
Suspected scams should be reported to the police without delay.
Victims were advised to contact the National Scam Response Centre at 997 promptly.
This allows authorities to take swift action to track and freeze suspicious financial transactions.
The CCID will continue to intensify its prevention, investigation, and enforcement efforts to combat such crimes comprehensively.
