RANAU: Police arrested a local suspected of involvement in a fake job offer that allegedly caused a victim to lose RM56,650.
According to reports, the victim received an offer letter via WhatsApp on September 6, 2025, from the suspect, who allegedly offered collaboration opportunities for projects linked to the Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB).
The suspect is believed to have used a purported SLDB offer letter to convince the victim to participate through the victim’s company.
The victim reportedly agreed to the arrangement and proceeded to make several payments in stages beginning around August 2025 to the suspect’s account, allegedly for project capital and procurement purposes. The total amount transferred was reported to be RM56,650.
However, by November 2025, the promised project had shown no progress, and the victim had yet to receive any payment or returns as initially promised. After contacting SLDB for verification, the victim was informed that the agency had never issued the alleged offer letter.
Realising that he had likely been deceived, the victim lodged a police report for further investigation.
Following investigations, a team of officers from the Kinabatangan District Police Headquarters reportedly arrested a local man on May 14, 2026, at approximately 9.30 am at the Commercial Crime Investigation office of IPD Kinabatangan.
The suspect was subsequently handed over to the investigating officer for further action under IPD Ranau.
Meanwhile, authorities have reminded the public to be cautious of promises of quick profits, lucrative projects, or job offers requiring upfront payments, particularly when dealings are conducted through messaging applications or individuals claiming to represent legitimate agencies.
