Couple conned in job scam
GEORGE TOWN: A housewife's joy when her husband landed a new job in Newscastle, Australia, was shortlived when they were cheated of RM8,500 for an Australian work permit.
Samantha Loh, 33, is now worried that her husband is stranded there.
Loh, a former interior designer, said both she and her husband met a 34-year-old woman who was married to someone they knew.
She then introduced them to the "job" as an operator in a poultry manufacturing plant.
Evidence: Loh holding up a copy of the police report she made against the agent while Lim holds a copy of the application form for a work permit filled by Loh's husband.
"She said the job offered an attractive salary of A$ 14 (RM44) per hour," she added.
Loh said she and her husband banked in RM5,000 into the woman's account on July 25 and the remaining RM3,500 on Aug 2.
She said on Sept 4, her husband, whom she declined to identify, flew to Brisbane together with another man known as "Ah Joe" who was going there for the same reason.
"They were supposed to be met by somebody and taken to Newcastle.
"However, no one turned up to meet them," she said, adding that her husband called to tell her about the problem.
"When I called up the woman, I was shocked when she said that she didn't promise me anything," Loh said, adding that she lodged a police report on Friday.
Penang MCA Public Services and Complaints Bureau deputy chief Lim Thoon Deong, who received a complaint from Loh, said calls to the woman had gone unanswered.
"We hope the woman will clarify what had happened and help sort things out so that Loh's husband will have a work permit as promised. Otherwise, she should return the money to him.
"If she fails to do so, the police should investigate the case as this is cheating," he said.
Lim advised the public to verify the authenticity of lucrative overseas employment or agents offering jobs in other countries.
"Even though the agent may be your friend, or someone related to a friend, it is advisable not to base your decision on trust," he said.
He urged those facing the same predicament to contact his bureau at 04-226 7827 or 04-226 7830.
-The Star-
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