MALAYSIA – A 34-year-old restaurant helper lost RM77,889 after falling victim to a part-time job scam that promised generous returns from selling women’s clothing and accessories online.
District police chief Asst Comm Azli Mohd Noor said the victim lodged a report yesterday after realising she had been deceived by an acquaintance identified only as “Chen,” who first approached her through Instagram on Oct 4, 2025.
She was instructed to download a mobile application, register as a seller and complete supposed customer orders. To process these orders, she was told to make multiple upfront “processing fee” payments that the platform operator would later reimburse, together with a 10% profit.
Between Oct 16, 2025, and Nov 26, 2025, the victim made several transfers into six bank accounts, using both her savings and money borrowed from friends and relatives. No refunds or profits were ever received.
Police are investigating the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. Source: NST
🔍 HackWarn.com Analysis
1. Why This Scam Works
This scam preys on trust, urgency, and the illusion of a real business operation. By using a familiar social media platform and posing as an acquaintance, scammers appear credible.
Fake apps and fabricated “customer orders” create a believable workflow, tricking victims into repeatedly paying “processing fees” in anticipation of profits that never arrive.
The strategy keeps victims invested until losses grow too large to recover.
2. Immediate Action Steps for the Public
- Never pay upfront fees for any online job or business opportunity. No such thing!
- Verify offers independently, especially those coming through social media or messaging apps. Ask your friends and family. They can advise accordingly.
- Avoid downloading unknown apps or registering on unofficial platforms. Get verified by somebody.
- Report suspicious accounts immediately to the police and the platform involved.
- Warn friends and family, as these scams often spread through social media acquaintances.
