Doctor loses RM33,500 after falling victim to Facebook online loan scam

A 37-YEAR-OLD doctor has been duped out of RM33,500 by a cybercrime syndicate operating a non-existent online loan scheme on Facebook

Brickfields District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Hoo Chang Hook stated that the medical practitioner initially engaged with an unidentified individual after responding to an attractive loan advertisement displayed on the social media platform.

Between the initial contact and the realisation of the fraud, the victim carried out five online bank transfers into four separate third-party accounts, amounting to RM33,500.

The victim became suspicious only after the suspect repeatedly demanded additional administrative fees, prompting the doctor to lodge a formal police report on October 2.

Hoo confirmed that police have launched an investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a penalty of imprisonment and a fine upon conviction. - October 4, 2026