KUANTAN: An unemployed man relying on his savings, assumed he had finally found a job through Facebook, only to be heartbroken last month.
The 36-year-old former private firm employee lost RM2,350 of his savings to a bogus online scam which earlier appeared promising when they paid him RM120 commission upon completing the required tasks.
The victim who only wanted to be identified as Ng said he spotted the job advertisement on Facebook on Aug 12 and texted the given contact number through WhatsApp.
"An individual who introduced herself as Sherly provided a website link so I can monitor my daily commission.
"I have read about scam cases and was a little worried to take up the offer.
"However, Sherly assured the company was genuine and provided the company registration details and contact numbers.
"She told me RM250 trial credit has been deposited into my account and I can monitor using the website," said at Semambu assemblyman Chan Chun Kuang's service centre here today.
He said he completed the first task as instructed by Sherly and RM120 was deposited into his bank account.
Sherly told Ng that she would guide him throughout the process so that he could earn more commission.
Ng said he transferred his savings amounting RM2,350 into four separate bank accounts between Aug 12 and Aug 14 before realising that he had been cheated when Sherly demanded more cash.
He became suspicious when the bank account numbers provided by Sherly belonged to different individuals and none belonged to her company.
"When I asked her, Sherly only replied that she will assist me.
"In the beginning, everything seemed genuine. I received my commission, was taught how to complete my tasks and Sherly even assured me that her company existed by providing the registration details.
"Although I did not have much savings, my hard earned money is gone. I am aware of the scam cases reported daily but never imagined that I will become a victim," Ng said, adding he lodged a police report on Aug 14.
Meanwhile, Chan said he has received six reports on similar modus operandi this year and advised the public, especially job-seekers, to be careful when accepting offers through social media platforms.