Introduction to the FMCO period in Malaysia

The Full Movement Control Order (FMCO) was implemented in Malaysia as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The strict measures were imposed to control the spread of the virus and protect public health. Due to the continued impact of the pandemic, scams have become increasingly prevalent during this period. The FMCO has led to a surge in online activities, with more people relying on digital platforms for shopping, work, and communication. This shift has created new opportunities for scammers to exploit individuals through various schemes and fraudulent activities. One such scam that has emerged during the lockdown in Malaysia revolves around the misuse of popular online shopping apps like Lazada and Shopee.

The prevalence of this scam has raised concerns among the public, highlighting the need for awareness and vigilance in online transactions. As people continue to adapt to the changing circumstances brought about by the FMCO, staying informed about potential threats and scams is crucial for safeguarding personal and financial security. Recognizing the impact of scams during this period underscores the importance of educating the public about identifying and avoiding fraudulent schemes, thereby fostering a safer online environment for everyone.

Overview of the Lazada and Shoppy affiliate scam

The Lazada and Shoppy affiliate scam has emerged as a prevalent threat during the FMCO period in Malaysia. This scheme capitalizes on people's inclination towards online shopping apps and lures them into a deceptive web of false employment opportunities and financial exploitation. The scam unfolds with deceptive job postings in online groups, enticing individuals to become affiliates for Shoppy or Lazada, with promises of enhancing online businesses. These posts can be found in both English and Chinese, and those interested are prompted to connect via WhatsApp.

The scammers use the WhatsApp platform to secure personal details and fabricate a semblance of a legitimate job application process. Once the victim's information is obtained, they are swiftly added to a group comprising other scammers. These scammers engage in the circulation of falsified bank transfer statements, deceiving victims into believing in the credibility of the offered job. Notably, a scammer referred to as "teacher" instructs victims to deposit money into a specified account to facilitate a refund. However, upon completion of the scam, the scammers vanish, leaving victims to grapple with substantial financial losses. The average amount scammed per victim ranges from 100 to 200 ringgit, with some individuals losing exceptionally high sums, such as over 10,000 ringgit. It is crucial to note that neither Shoppy nor Lazada endorse any form of shop boosting or engage part-time workers for this purpose. This underscores the importance of vigilance and skepticism towards such dubious schemes.

The process of the scam

The process of the Lazada and Shoppy affiliate scam begins with enticing job postings on online platforms during the lockdown period. These posts offer positions as affiliates for Lazada or Shoppy, claiming to boost online shops. Interested individuals are then directed to a WhatsApp link through private messages, purportedly to provide further details or initiate the application process. Once connected, the scammer posing as a representative of a fictitious company, such as "Converting Team" or "Grab Team," solicits personal information, simulating a standard job application.

Upon gathering these details, the scammer adds the individual to a group comprising fellow scammers, creating a semblance of authenticity. Within this group, they circulate fabricated bank transfer statements, aimed at duping the victim into believing the legitimacy of the job. The victim is further manipulated by a scammer named "Teacher," who instructs them to deposit funds into a specified account to purportedly receive a refund. However, once the victim completes the transaction, the scammer blocks any attempts at reimbursement, leaving the victim defrauded of their money.

This psychological manipulation extends as the scam progresses, leveraging individuals’ instincts to safeguard their finances. Analogous to the behavior of gamblers in casinos, victims are coerced into continued payments to the scam account in the pursuit of reclaiming their initial investment. Ultimately, this process culminates in the depletion of the victim's entire bank account. Despite the variation in amounts, with average losses ranging from 100 to 200 ringgit, some victims have suffered substantial financial harm, with one individual reportedly losing over 10,000 ringgit to these unscrupulous practices.

Warning and reminders about online shopping apps

As online shopping becomes increasingly popular, it's important to beware of potential scams. During the FMCO period in Malaysia, a new scam has emerged that targets individuals through online job groups. The scam, known as the Lazada and Shoppy affiliate scam, begins with enticing offers to boost online shops. The posts, which can appear in English or Chinese, prompt individuals to message a WhatsApp link for more information.

Once the victim clicks the link, the scammer poses as a representative from a fictitious company, such as Converting Team or Grab Team. After gathering personal details, the victim is added to a group with other scammers who share fabricated bank transfer statements to create the illusion of a legitimate job. Subsequently, the victim is instructed to transfer money to a designated account in exchange for promised refunds. However, the scammers ultimately block any attempt at refunds, leading victims to be coerced into further payments until their bank accounts are depleted.

It's crucial to note that neither Lazada nor Shoppy permit the boosting of shops, nor do they employ part-time workers for this purpose. To avoid falling victim to this scam, exercise caution when encountering such offers on online platforms. Vigilance is key to safeguard yourself against potential online shopping app scams.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it's crucial to remain vigilant and cautious when encountering job offers or opportunities that seem too good to be true, especially during periods of uncertainty like the FMCO in Malaysia. The Lazada and Shoppy affiliate scam is just one example of the many fraudulent schemes that seek to exploit individuals during challenging times. It's important to remember that legitimate companies like Lazada and Shoppy do not engage in the practices described in this scam. Therefore, any offers related to boosting online shops or becoming affiliates for these platforms should be thoroughly scrutinized before any personal information is shared or financial transactions are made.

Furthermore, individuals should exercise caution when engaging with unfamiliar links or providing personal details to unknown parties, especially on social media or messaging platforms. It's vital to verify the legitimacy of any job offers or business opportunities before taking any further steps. Finally, spreading awareness about these scams and their tactics can help protect others from falling victim to similar schemes. By staying informed and remaining cautious, it's possible to mitigate the risk of being targeted by such fraudulent activities.

Highlight

During the FMCO period in Malaysia, a new scam has emerged, taking advantage of the increased use of online shopping apps. The Lazada and Shopee Affiliate Scam, as it's been called, targets individuals through job postings on online platforms, offering opportunities to boost online shops as affiliates for these popular e-commerce platforms.

The scam begins with posts appearing on online job groups, both in English and Chinese, soliciting individuals to become Shopee or Lazada affiliates. These posts prompt interested parties to message a provided WhatsApp link, which ultimately leads them to scammers posing as representatives from fake companies such as "Converting Team" or "Grab Team."

Once individuals provide their details, they are added to a group with other scammers who exchange fake bank transfer statements to give the impression of a legitimate job. The next phase revolves around swindling money from the victims. Under the guise of receiving a refund, victims are instructed to transfer funds to a specified account. However, the scammers ultimately block any chance of a refund. Furthermore, victims are coerced into continuously paying into the scam account until their entire bank account is drained.

The average amount scammed from victims ranges from 100 to 200 ringgit, with some individuals losing substantial sums – one victim reportedly fell prey to the scammers to the tune of over 10,000 ringgit.

It is crucial to note that both Shopee and Lazada do not engage in the practice of paying part-time workers to boost their sales, and as such, individuals should exercise caution and skepticism towards these job offers. The video concludes with a reminder not to fall for such scams and encourages viewers to stay informed about scams by subscribing to the channel for more news updates.

FAQ

Q: What is the Lazada and Shoppy affiliate scam?

A: The Lazada and Shoppy affiliate scam is a fraudulent scheme that has been circulating during the lockdown period in Malaysia. It involves postings on online job groups about Shoppie affiliates or Lazada affiliates with offers to boost online shops.

Q: How does the scam operate?

A: The scam begins with posts in online job groups, which may appear in English or Chinese. Interested individuals who respond to these posts are directed to click on a WhatsApp link, which belongs to the scammer. Once connected, the scammer solicits personal details under the guise of a job application and refers to a fake company. Following this, the victim is added to a group of scammers who engage in deceitful activities to manipulate the victim into believing it is a legitimate job offer.

Q: What tactics do the scammers employ to deceive victims?

A: Scammers utilize various tactics to deceive victims. They employ psychological manipulation, akin to tactics used in casinos, to persuade victims to continue making payments to the scam account. Additionally, a particular scammer named "teacher" instructs the victim to initiate a bank transfer into a specified account before receiving a refund, only to later block the refund, leading to financial losses for the victim.

Q: What are the implications for victims of the Lazada and Shoppy affiliate scam?

A: Victims of this scam have reportedly lost varying amounts of money, with the average being 100 to 200 ringgit. Additionally, there have been cases where victims have lost substantial sums, with one individual reportedly losing over 10,000 ringgit to the scammers.

Q: Are there any official endorsements for boosting online shops from Lazada or Shoppy?

A: No, neither Lazada nor Shoppy endorse the practice of boosting online shops. Furthermore, they do not engage part-time workers to enhance their sales through such means.

Q: What precautions can individuals take to avoid falling victim to this scam?

A: It is essential for individuals to remain vigilant and exercise caution when responding to job offers or incentivized schemes from anonymous sources. Individuals are urged not to disclose personal information or engage in financial transactions without verifying the legitimacy of the opportunity. Staying informed about prevalent scams and seeking guidance from trustworthy sources can aid in preventing such fraudulent activities.

Q: Where can individuals access further updates and information about these types of scams?

A: Individuals can stay informed about prevalent scams by subscribing to reliable news channels and obtaining updates from trusted sources.

Conclusion

Scams have become increasingly prevalent during the FMCO period in Malaysia, with a recent rise in a scam involving online shopping apps such as Lazada and Shoppy. The scam starts with job postings on online platforms, offering opportunities to become affiliates and boost online shops. Scammers, posing as representatives of fake companies, manipulate victims into believing they are participating in a legitimate job, ultimately deceiving them into banking money into a specified account. Victims are then coerced into making continuous payments, depleting their bank accounts. It is crucial to note that both Lazada and Shoppy do not endorse shop-boosting activities, nor do they pay part-time workers to enhance their sales. Consumers should remain vigilant and avoid falling for such scams.