Ariff Peter, a 27-year-old businessman and musician, faced a harrowing two-year ordeal of living in his car after falling into deep debt amounting to over RM1 million (S$280,000) following a cryptocurrency investment gone awry.
Fell victim to crypto scam
As reported by Harian Metro earlier this month, Ariff’s misfortune began when he invested in a cryptocurrency that ultimately turned out to be a scam.
Entrusting his financial resources to individuals who promised substantial returns, Ariff acted as an ‘ambassador’ for the cryptocurrency, leveraging his previous business achievements to attract public investments.
However, the ambitious entrepreneur found himself betrayed when his ‘partners’ vanished, leaving him and the unsuspecting public in financial ruin.
Gave up everything to pay back the victims
Ariff, recognizing his moral responsibility to the victims, embarked on a challenging journey to repay their losses by liquidating all his assets.
He parted with his business, two houses, and three cars, ultimately having only his Proton Wira, which he used for both work and shelter.
Despite selling off his assets, Ariff still grappled with an enormous debt burden, compelling him to take on multiple odd jobs daily.
Determined to honor his obligations, he chose to live in his car rather than renting a house or room, believing that his “responsibilities” were too substantial to shoulder otherwise.
90% of earnings goes to debt
Throughout his trying journey, Ariff continued to pursue his passion for music, creating and composing, even as he adapted to his unconventional living arrangements. He resorted to various forms of employment to manage his debt, with approximately 90% of his earnings directed towards debt repayment.
Ariff took to TikTok to share his story and seek employment opportunities through his videos, effectively using social media as a platform for help.
Thanks to his resilience and the support he garnered from online communities, Ariff managed to rebuild his life and become debt-free, as reported by the New Straits Times on October 22.
Power of social media
In the end, Ariff expressed his appreciation for the media’s role in publicizing his story and for the power of social media in transforming his life.
He emphasized that when used correctly, social media can be a powerful tool in overcoming adversity and achieving one’s goals.
Ariff’s story serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the capacity to bounce back from even the most dire of financial circumstances. His journey from debt and homelessness to financial recovery and success is a source of inspiration for many.
@ariffpeter 1 tahun homeless 😔
♬ Jiwa Yang Bersedih – Ghea Indrawari