Lured by fake part-time job offers, the trader lost his life savings and more

A 38-year-old trader from Kuala Terengganu lost RM500,639.50 after falling victim to a sophisticated online job scam promising high commissions for simple tasks.

Facebook Offer Turns into Financial Nightmare

On May 14, a Facebook user named Nabila Puteri contacted the victim, offering what seemed to be an easy part-time job opportunity. The job promised generous commissions for purchasing items through an app, which the victim downloaded from a link provided by the suspect. Initially, small commissions were paid, convincing the trader of the scheme’s legitimacy.

Victim Makes 38 Transactions to 22 Accounts

According to Kuala Terengganu police chief ACP Azli Mohd Noor, the victim completed 38 transactions, transferring money to 22 different bank accounts. The man used his savings—accumulated from selling fruits, groceries, and cattle—before resorting to borrowing from friends and using credit cards to continue the transactions.

False Commissions Hook Victim Further

The early commissions acted as bait, encouraging the victim to commit more funds in hopes of higher returns. Like many similar scams, the returns stopped as soon as the deposits increased, leaving the victim financially drained and emotionally distressed.

Police Open Cheating Investigation

A police report was lodged on July 9, and the case is now being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which deals with cheating. Authorities have reminded the public to be cautious of online offers that promise unrealistic returns, especially those solicited via social media platforms.

Financial and Emotional Toll

The trader’s losses exceed RM500,000 (approximately SGD 145,000 or IDR 8.5 billion), highlighting the devastating impact of digital scams. The case underscores the urgent need for digital literacy and public awareness, especially among self-employed and small-scale traders who may be more vulnerable to fraudulent schemes.

This case serves as a stark reminder of how online scams continue to evolve, targeting individuals across Southeast Asia with promises of easy income. As digital job offers become more common, so too must vigilance and awareness—particularly for communities in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore where many rely on informal work and quick income streams.

Sources: Bernama (2025) , Malay Mail (2025)

Keywords: Online Job Scam, RM500000 Loss, Kuala Terengganu Trader, Fake Part-Time Work, Facebook Fraud, Police Investigation