Police have received 19 reports nationwide concerning a job scam syndicate that utilized the website “LynxOasis.com” to promote and offer fictitious job opportunities, resulting in financial losses amounting to RM688,099.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf explained that the syndicate used social media platforms, specifically Instagram and Facebook, to advertise job openings for hotel booking agents.
Interested victims were instructed to create an account on the “LynxOasis.com” website and perform hotel booking tasks as directed by the syndicate.
“Initially, the victims had to use their own money to make the bookings, with promises of reimbursement and a commission ranging from 0.6 to 10 percent based on the task completed,” said Ramli.
Through the website, victims could see their commission totals increasing but were unable to withdraw the profits. The syndicate then pressured the victims into making several additional payments.
Ramli also noted that the syndicate targeted senior citizens, sending messages through the WhatsApp application. Of the 19 reports received, three involved senior citizens, with losses amounting to RM269,237.
Additionally, CCID identified two other online applications, “DobeMall” and “DoBeVil,” used for similar job scams. These apps followed the same modus operandi, where victims could see their commissions increase but were unable to withdraw the funds and were asked to make further payments.
Ramli reported that two police reports had been received regarding these applications: one in Selangor and the other in Sarawak, with combined losses totalling RM540,600.
He advised the public to exercise caution and take preventive measures to avoid falling victim to such scams. Members of the public are encouraged to contact the National Scam Response Centre hotline at 997 to report incidents or seek advice.
As scams like these become increasingly sophisticated, it is crucial for individuals to verify the legitimacy of job offers and websites. Unsolicited messages or too-good-to-be-true job offers, especially those requiring upfront payments, should raise red flags. Collaboration between law enforcement agencies, social media platforms, and the public is essential in combatting these fraudulent activities. Educating the public about common scam tactics and promoting awareness can significantly reduce the number of victims. By remaining vigilant and informed, people can protect themselves from falling prey to such deceptive schemes.
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