PETALING JAYA: Many young people believe they can make big bucks easily overseas without thinking of the consequences of the decisions they make, says criminologist expert Datuk Shahul Hamid Abd Rahim.

In an interview with Sin Chew Daily, Shahul said despite extensive media coverage on job scams and stories of victims going viral on social media, there are still plenty of Malaysians falling into the trap.

“People are easily attracted by sweet talks, regardless of their age or race. They also embrace the attitude of ‘why not just try one time’ so as not to let go of a rare opportunity to make easy money.

Hence, the syndicates are targeting people craving for good life and wishing to have lots of money by offering them to work overseas with high pay and easy job. They are misled by the perceived luxurious life without thinking of the consequences.

Among the victims, many are older adults who may be more matured but due to financial constraints, they are thinking of trying their luck overseas.

“Of course, some fall into the trap as they do not have access to such information and do not get in touch with people,” Shahul said.

Job scams still exist today because the syndicates are constantly updating their tactics to deceive people.

“Although the Malaysia Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will block websites or pages carrying fraudulent information, the syndicates are quick to come up with new pages,” he said.

Nevertheless, Shahul also stressed that this does not mean the relevant agencies can ignore such cases.

Instead, the enforcement agencies such as the police should have close collaboration with MCMC to go after the syndicates.