Job Scam Syndicates Applying New Tactics to Lure Victims, 7 M’sians Currently Trapped in Myanmar

The job scam syndicates continue to lure as many victims as they can and in a press conference by the Malaysian Humanitarian Organization (MHO) today (November 27), Secretary-General Datuk Hishamudin Hashim had a lot to share about the recent happenings.

The syndicates have upgraded their tactics by not only offering high-paying jobs but also FREE airline tickets.

Unfortunately, 7 Malaysians have been reported to fall victim to the sweet promises, causing them to be trapped in a living hell. The victims’ family members gathered for a press conference this morning, and each of them shared their stories on how the victims fell into the trap.

1. A trip to buy “fireworks”

Mr Lai told the media that his 29-year-old son flew to Bangkok on November 19 to purchase cheap fireworks for business purposes.

His son tried to escape the “tour guide van” 5 hours after the journey started as he felt something was off. Unfortunately, he was beaten and when he regained consciousness, he told his wife, who was 6 months pregnant that he was trapped in Myanmar.

No one has heard from him since then.

2. High-paying job as a driver

Mr Chen’s brother, who is 34 this year fell for an advertisement that promised lucrative pay for a driver job in Mae Sot, Thailand. When he reached Bangkok, he was abducted by locals and put into a van headed to Myanmar.

“My brother called me the same night to tell me he was safe, but he did not dare to escape. There were armed guards all around.”

To survive, his brother has a KPI to reach – RM2 million of scams every month.

3. Eat or get beaten

Two Malay victims entered Thailand on November 13 for an air condition-related job, which promised a pay of RM5,000 a month. However, they were unaware of the job description, until they reached the “headquarters” in Myanmar, where they were asked to get to work by scamming others via phone calls.

To make matters worse, they were also forced to consume pork and sometimes, electrocuted and beaten.

4. A Chiangmai Trip that went south

Madam Goh revealed that her 24-year-old son went on a trip to Chiangmai with his friends on October 18. 2 days later, her son called and said he was taken hostage.

“I was told to pay a ransom of RM400,000. I sold my insurance and got RM60,000, which I paid the syndicate. Unfortunately, they did not return my son.”

Goh also received videos of her son getting beaten and tortured.

5. No food, just (pipe) water

This time, the job started in Kuala Lumpur.

A 24-year-old woman received a job offer in the F&B industry from her male friend and took the flight from Sarawak to Kuala Lumpur.

Days later, she called her mum to tell her that she had been abducted to Cambodia and said she was beaten and locked in the bathroom.

“I had no food. I could only drink from the pipe.”

6. Injury on the head

Last but not least, Mr Wong said his 29-year-old son flew to Thailand on November 16, and days later, he got a call from his son who wanted to update about his “safety.”

“He said he was in Cambodia and was safe, but his head was obviously injured.”

In the press conference, Hishamuddin also urged others to be more careful in going through job offers abroad and told the parents that if they received any call for ransom, they shouldn’t give away any money.

Also read: 26yo M’sian Goes Missing in Thailand, Alleged Kidnappers Ask Family for RM10K or “she’ll be sold to Cambodia”