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Kuala Lumpur, July 8 – A heartbreaking case has emerged from Terengganu, where a kindergarten teacher has lost a staggering RM108,703 to a sophisticated online job scam. The victim, whose identity has been withheld, was lured in by promises of lucrative part-time work, only to have her savings, borrowed money, and even proceeds from pawning her jewellery vanish into thin air.

The scam unfolded when the teacher received a job offer online, seemingly from a legitimate company. The offer promised attractive earnings for simple tasks, such as data entry and online surveys. Enticed by the potential income, she diligently followed the instructions provided, unaware that she was being skillfully manipulated.

As the scam progressed, the teacher was repeatedly asked to deposit funds into various accounts, purportedly for “processing fees,” “insurance,” or “training materials.” Each request appeared reasonable, and she continued to comply, hoping to unlock the promised earnings. Desperate to meet the demands and believing she was close to receiving her payment, she even resorted to pawning her jewellery and borrowing money from friends and family – a total loss exceeding RM108,000.

However, the promised payments never materialized. When she attempted to contact the individuals involved, she discovered that they had disappeared, leaving her with nothing but a devastating financial loss and a profound sense of betrayal.

Police Investigation and Warnings

The Terengganu police have confirmed the incident and are currently investigating the case. Authorities are urging the public to be extremely cautious of online job offers, particularly those that require upfront payments or involve transferring money to unfamiliar accounts.

“These scammers often prey on vulnerable individuals, exploiting their desire for extra income,” said a police spokesperson. “Always verify the legitimacy of a company before accepting any job offer, and never send money to anyone you haven’t met in person or thoroughly vetted.”

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

• Requests for upfront payments or deposits
• Vague job descriptions or unrealistic earning potential
• Pressure to act quickly or keep the offer confidential
• Communication through unofficial channels, such as WhatsApp or Telegram
• Requests to transfer money to personal accounts

Protecting Yourself from Online Job Scams:

• Research the company thoroughly before applying.
• Check for online reviews and complaints.
• Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
• Never share your personal or financial information with unverified sources.
• Report any suspicious activity to the police.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of online scams and the importance of exercising caution when seeking employment online. By being vigilant and informed, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to these deceptive schemes.