KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 19 police reports have been lodged in connection with a job scam syndicate that resulted in more than RM600,000 in losses.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said the job scam using the website lynxoasis.com, promotes its bogus job offers on Facebook and Instagram.
"So far, the job scam has resulted in RM688,099 in losses and 19 police reports were lodged.
"The syndicate would offer jobs as a hotel booking agent. Those who are interested are required to open an account on the website and complete hotel booking tasks.
"However, bookings must be made using the victim's money first with the promise that it will be returned along with a commission," he said in a statement on Wednesday (June 5).
Victims are promised between 0.6% and 10% in commissions depending on the completed tasks, he said.
"Through the website, the victims could see their commission amount increase but could not withdraw the money," he said.
Comm Ramli said the syndicate would also instruct the victims to make additional payments.
"We are investigating the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
"In the latest development, it is learnt that the syndicate has begun advertising jobs for seniors, promoting part-time jobs at the same website.
"The message is sent via WhatsApp targeting senior citizens," he said.
Out of the 19 reports, three of them were lodged by senior citizens involving a total loss of
RM269,237, he said.
"It showed that the syndicate regarded senior citizens as more quality targets compared to other victims," he added.
Comm Ramli advised the public to be careful and take necessary preventive measures to avoid being duped by such scams.
"Contact the National Scam Response Centre hotline at 997 to report or seek advice on scams," he said.
