Two Chinese nationals have alleged they were cheated in separate currency exchange scams linked to offers advertised on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu.
KUALA LUMPUR: Two Chinese nationals have alleged they were cheated in separate currency exchange scams linked to offers advertised on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, with one victim claiming the suspect later demanded a “special favour” in exchange for returning her money.
Speaking at a press conference at the headquarters of MCA today, a 21-year-old student identified only as Zhou said she responded to an online currency exchange offer on May 10.
She said she agreed to exchange 1,564 yuan (RMB) for RM1,000 and transferred the money via WeChat Pay.
However, Zhou alleged that after receiving the funds, the individual stopped responding before later claiming that a QR payment code had been blocked and requesting an additional RM100 “service fee”.
“He replied to me the next day and said his QR code had been blocked. He asked me to transfer another RM100 as a service fee, so I did,” she said.
According to Zhou, the individual later sent a screenshot purportedly showing that the money had been transferred to her, but no funds appeared in her account.
“When I checked, there was no money in my account. I kept asking him about it, but he wouldn’t return my money,” she said.
She further alleged that the individual subsequently suggested she would need to provide a “special favour” if she wanted her money returned.
“I thought it was disgusting. I rejected him immediately.
“I didn’t know this scammer not only wanted to cheat people of their money, but also wanted to take advantage of victims in that way,” she said.
Zhou later lodged a police report and cut off all contact with the individual.
In a separate case, another victim identified as Tan claimed he lost 10,000 RMB after responding to a similar currency exchange offer on Xiaohongshu on April 28.
Tan said he had agreed to exchange the amount for RM6,000 but became suspicious during the transaction.
He alleged that the suspect claimed he needed to retrieve a charger from a vehicle because his phone battery was running low, and while waiting nearby, appeared to attempt to leave the scene.
Tan further claimed the individual used intimidating behaviour that caused him to fear for his safety.
“Even though I wanted my money back, I felt my life was more important, so I ran away,” he said.
He alleged that the same individual may be linked to several similar incidents involving Chinese nationals in Malaysia, with estimated losses totalling about RM40,000.
Tan said he later worked with another victim to help identify the suspect and assist police, but added that he has yet to recover his money or a mobile phone allegedly left in the suspect’s vehicle.
Meanwhile, Malaysian-Chinese Friendship and Mutual Aid Association secretary-general Datuk Goh Boon Keng said the association has received an increasing number of complaints involving alleged unlicensed currency exchange transactions conducted through social media platforms.
“We have received many complaints involving similar cases. Most victims are Chinese nationals studying in Malaysia, including undergraduate, master’s and PhD students, who were seeking quick and convenient ways to exchange Chinese yuan into Malaysian ringgit,” he said.
Goh reminded the public that currency exchange activities in Malaysia are regulated and should only be conducted through licensed money changers.
“All money exchange activities must go through licensed and legal channels.
“Dealing with individuals offering such services on social media carries a high risk of fraud, with victims often left unable to recover their money,” he said.
He also called on the authorities to investigate the complaints thoroughly and take appropriate action against those responsible.
Also present at the press conference was MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong Ten Soo.
