Seri Alam: A local trader lost more than RM120,000 after falling victim to an online job scam via Google, in January.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Seri Alam police chief ACP Mohd Sohaimi Ishak reported that the 38-year-old male victim encountered a job advertisement on Google on January 24.

He stated that the trader, drawn in by the offer, engaged with the syndicate through the provided link. The victim was promised substantial profits for each completed sale and subsequently made 11 transactions, totaling RM120,873.69, into five different bank accounts between February 3 and February 28.

The victim was later instructed to make further payments to withdraw the alleged profits and close the account. It was only when he failed to recover his money that he realized he had been scammed, as explained by Mohd Sohaimi in a statement.

Mohd Sohaimi further revealed that initial investigations, utilizing the Semak Mule CCID portal, showed that the five bank accounts involved had 22 prior police reports related to investment fraud and part-time job scams.

He mentioned that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code. This section stipulates a prison sentence of not less than 10 years, along with whipping, and a fine upon conviction.

Mohd Sohaimi advised the public to exercise caution and refrain from sharing personal or banking information with unknown parties. He warned against being deceived by promises of quick and high returns and recommended using the Semak Mule portal to verify suspicious accounts before any transactions.

He urged that anyone who has fallen victim to a scam should promptly contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 to initiate measures to block the suspect’s account and prevent further financial losses.