Contractor loses over RM500,000 in fake job scam promising 15% returns

A 52-YEAR-OLD contractor has suffered losses totalling RM500,278 after falling victim to an elaborate fake job scam that promised high returns for completing simple online tasks.

Kulai District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Tan Seng Lee, said the local man was lured by an online offer to earn a 15 per cent profit for each purchase made as part of a so-called freelance job receiving orders via a website.

“The victim made 22 separate transactions amounting to RM500,278 into 16 different local bank accounts between 20 March and 28 April,” said Tan in a statement.

The victim was led to believe that the returns from his tasks were being credited into a personal account on the website. Upon checking, he found that his online account reflected a supposed balance of USDT138,500 (approximately RM584,816.25).

However, when he attempted to withdraw the funds, the system blocked the transaction.

“Suspecting he had been scammed, the victim lodged a report at Kulai Police Station,” Tan said.

Police have classified the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. Investigations are ongoing. - October 8, 2025