A local singer has stepped forward to share how she was cheated of her hard-earned money after she was lured into an ambassadorship opportunity which turned out to be a ruse.
She hopes that by sharing her story, it will help others to be more wary of partnerships and offers that appear to be harmless.
Introduced to ‘Datuk’ by close friend
Speaking at press conference at Wisma MCA, Winnie Kok, also known as Winner K, said she was introduced to a ‘Datuk’ who claimed to be a a property developer, through her close friend and television host last September.
In a WeChat conversation, the ‘Datuk’ told Kok that he would appoint her as an exclusive brand ambassador and pay her a fee between RM800,000 and RM1 million, reported NST.
“He asked me to transfer money as a project implementation fee. My friend even showed me his e-wallet balance, so I trusted them and proceeded with the payments,” she said.
Loses RM380,000 to ‘Datuk’
A total of RM350,000 in cash and online payments was paid to the ‘Datuk’ by Kok between September and October 2023. It later increased to RM380,000 after the ‘Datuk’ promised to return it within two days.
However, that promise turned out to be a way of escape for the ‘Datuk’ who simply went off the grid, leaving Kok with no recourse except to lodge a police report at the Shah Alam police headquarters last October.
Kok said the incident left her emotionally and mentally distressed as the money was part of her emergency funds to help pay for her ailing mother’s treatment, reported China Press.
“I decided to come forward nearly two years later to raise awareness and encourage other victims to speak up.
“I stayed silent because I didn’t want to worry my family, but now I want others to know how easily people can fall for these scams,” she added.
Not the only one
Also present at the press conference were Malaysian Association of Arts, Live Events, Concerts and Festivals (ALIFE) president Datuk Alan Foo, MCA Public Services and Complaints Department executive adviser Datuk Seri Michael Chong, and Kok’s lawyer.
Chong told reporters that the bureau is helping Kok and other victims who have lodged similar complaints of being tricked by individuals with honorary titles.
“We urge all victims to come forward instead of suffering in silence. Don’t act impulsively or harm yourself. Please seek help,” he advised.
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