16 fined RM3,000 each over job scam

A common job scam is personal information phishing, where a supposed employer asks for your social security number or banking information for direct deposits. — Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

MELAKA: Three foreigners were among 16 individuals slapped with fines totalling RM48,000 by a Magistrate’s Court here for deceiving UK residents through a nonexistent job scam.

Magistrate Sharda Shienha Mohd Suleiman imposed the RM3,000 fine on each accused, in default seven months’ jail, after they all pleaded guilty on Tuesday (Nov 28).

Locals Ooi Shou Lian, 27; Foo Nian Cher, 37; Chong Teck Ann, 28; Ooi Soon Hong, 27; Ngin Wooi Ching, 27; Yong Jian Wei, 25; Chan Kian Heng, 25; Tan Sheng Hooi, 27; Lee Wai Kong, 24; Chong Kok Wei, 21; Ahmad Asyraf Othman, 22; Liw Yit Loong, 27; and Lee Wai Si, 22, were jointly charged at the court in Ayer Keroh.

China nationals Xiao Kunmang, 24; Zhou Qi, 22; and Yu Quan, 32, were also charged with the same offence.

Based on the charge sheet, the accused deceived victims from the United Kingdom by offering them nonexistent job offers through online platforms.

They were accused of committing the offence at No 2 Jalan Vista Kirana 3, Taman Vista Kirana, Ayer Keroh in Melaka Tengah district at 3.30pm on Nov 21.

The charge was framed under Section 120B (2) of the Penal Code for criminal conspiracy read together with Section 417 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides a prison sentence of not more than five months or a fine or both, if convicted.

Prosecution was conducted by DPP Nor Asnini Kamarudin while all the accused were unrepresented.

All of them paid the fine.