In the digital age, the allure of a part-time job to supplement one’s income can be tempting. However, the story of JT, a 42-year-old woman, serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking behind seemingly attractive opportunities.
A Hopeful Beginning
It all started when JT received a WhatsApp message on September 17 from a person claiming to be Ashley Tan, representing the local recruitment agency, The Supreme HR Advisory.
This message marked the beginning of a chain of events that would change her life forever. Ashley Tan informed JT that a company named Q00 Media was hiring marketing staff.
The Quest for Extra Income
Motivated by her desire to contribute to her mother’s medical bills, JT had posted her details on the job portal while seeking part-time work. Despite holding a position as an administrative executive, she sought additional income to ease her financial burden.
Ashley Tan presented an enticing offer – a part-time role involving “virtual orders” for travel booking sites, with a promise of earning a substantial two to five percent commission for each successful transaction.
A Deceptive Proposition
The offer sounded promising, with the potential to earn between $200 and $500 daily. Encouraged by the seemingly lucrative opportunity, JT agreed to take on the role.
She was subsequently added to a Telegram group chat by another individual named Joanna, who would be responsible for assigning orders.
A Web of Deceit
JT commenced work on September 20, and over the course of her assignment, she made a total of 16 PayNow transactions from her personal savings account to an undisclosed phone number.
Screenshots of her conversations with Joanna revealed a disturbing truth – she was required to pay for these transactions.
After each transfer, Joanna would inform JT of the commission she had earned. The transactions ranged from $253 to a staggering $3,745, accumulating to approximately $30,000.
The Shocking Revelation
Joanna repeatedly assured JT that her money, including the commission, would be promptly transferred back to her account.
However, a twist in the tale occurred when JT was told she needed to transfer an additional $5,007 under the guise of income tax before she could access her hard-earned money.
The Harsh Reality
At this juncture, JT began to realize the possibility of falling victim to a scam. By then, she had borrowed around $5,000 from friends to fulfill some of the transactions.
Tragically, she found herself not only entangled in a web of deceit but also burdened with substantial debt due to these loans.
Her daughter, Elaine Goh, lamented how they would have stopped her if she had told them about the “job”, but she had kept quiet throughout.
Seeking Justice
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, JT filed a police report on September 28, but as of now, she awaits updates regarding her case.
In an attempt to shed light on her mother’s distressing ordeal, Elaine Goh turned to TikTok on October 1, sharing their family’s financial struggles.
She expressed, “Now my family is grappling with a multitude of financial challenges, including my grandmother’s hospital bills, housing expenses, phone bills, school fees for my siblings, various debts, and even my own surgery expenses.” Their limited income and living conditions in a one-room flat further exacerbated their predicament.