KUCHING: A 28-year-old man, who recently fell victim to an online loan scam resulting in a loss of SG$32,000 (RM109,707.73), is now facing extortion from the same syndicate.
Voon Jun Kheong shared his experience and explained that his troubles began when he came across a Facebook advertisement for a personal loan while working in Singapore on Feb 16.
Attracted by the advertisement, he clicked the link and it directed him to a Singapore-registered WhatsApp number where he provided his personal information.
“I was later connected to an individual who requested my addresses in Singapore and Malaysia, along with the desired loan amount.
“After that, I was told to pay a processing fee of SG$2,000 and from Feb 16 to 20, I transferred a total of SG$32,000 to the person who claimed that I had incorrectly followed the loan application process.
“A friend of mine informed me that the person was a scammer and immediately stopped me from doing another transaction,” Voon recounted his story at a press conference at the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Public Complaint Bureau earlier this week.
He added that he also visited the purported moneylending company’s office in Singapore to verify his loan application but, the staff denied having any information regarding his application.
Consequently, he reported the incident to Singapore police who are currently investigating the matter.
On Feb 19, Voon received a message from another Singapore-registered number, informing him that SG$300 had been deposited into his account via an ATM transfer.
Days later, he received a WhatsApp message from another suspect, alleging that he had borrowed money from the company but failed to make any repayments.
Voon reported these matters to Singapore police and surrendered the SG$300 deposited into his account.
Considering it to be a minor issue, Voon and his family closed the case. However, the scammers persisted and continued to harass Voon and his family over the unpaid loan and even threatened to burn down their house in Sarawak.
Regrettably, on July 7, the threat came true as his father’s house in Kota Samarahan was set ablaze around 3 am. Fortunately, no one was residing there. The fire also affected two neighbouring houses.
“The suspects sent photos of the burned house along with a voice message claiming responsibility for the arson. My mother and younger brother also received the same message,” he said.
In response to the escalating situation, Voon flew back to Sarawak and he along with his family filed six police reports related to the incident.
