JEMPOL: A businessman who wanted to help a friend and an employee apply for Malaysian permanent resident status has been cheated of RM11,600 in an online scam.

       Jempol OCPD Supt Hoo Chang Hook said the 60-year-old decided to help the duo apply for PR status after he saw an advertisement offering the service on Facebook on Nov 10.

       He said the businessman got in touch with a person whose number was given in the advertisement and was told that he would have to pay RM4,800 for each application.

       “The businessman was also told that he would have to fork out an additional RM2,000 for each foreigner for miscellaneous fees.

       “The man paid RM11,600 which he banked into three accounts between Nov 10 and Nov 30.

       “After having banked in the money, the man was told that he will also have to bank in the remaining RM2,000 before the applications could be processed,” he said.

       Supt Hoo said it was at this juncture the businessman became suspicious.

       The case is being probed under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. The offence carries a jail term of between one and 10 years, whipping and a fine, upon conviction.