KUCHING: An event manager was duped out of RM1.2 million in an online part-time job scam and it all started from a Tinder match.
The unfortunate ordeal began on May 14 when the 30-something victim became acquainted with a woman named ‘Emma’ through a Tinder (a popular free dating app) match.
Little did he know that swiping right on ‘Emma’, would lead him down a treacherous path and loses of to the tune of more than a million ringgit.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said the woman managed to lure the victim with an irresistible part-time job offer through a dubious purchase and sales platform.
“The victim was told that he would get a 1.1 per cent return if he took up the offer, in addition to the commissions he would earn from selling products on the website provided by her.
“The suspect, supposedly from Vietnam, also explained in a video call how the so-called job worked
“Interested with the job offer, the victim continued communicating with ‘Emma’ on WhatsApp and Telegram,” he said.
Between May 15 and July 13 this year, the victim transferred a total of RM1.2 million into seven bank accounts via 27 transactions.
Despite the massive amount that was channeled to the bank accounts, the victim was left with nothing more than a mere RM20,000 in investment return.
Mohd Azman said the victim only realised that he had been conned when the promised commissions failed to materialise.
He advised the public not to be easily attracted and deceived by job offers that are too good to be true on social media.
They should not entertain unknown phone calls and to immediately notify their partners, friends, or family members should they receive such phone calls, as well as to check with the police, banks, or related agencies for confirmation.
