Kuching woman trapped by online loan syndicate, still extorted after repaying RM6,400 debt

Foo (left) and the victim during a press conference at his office on April 28, 2026. Photo credit: TVS Rebao

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, April 28: A 47-year-old Kuching woman working in Singapore was tricked by a social media loan advertisement and subsequently fell victim to an online lending syndicate that repeatedly extorted and threatened her, even after repaying the loan, prompting her family to lodge a police report.

Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) chief Milton Foo said the victim had been working between Singapore and Johor Bahru for some time.

“Due to existing credit card debt and difficulties obtaining a bank loan, she turned to Facebook, where she came across a ‘low-interest online loan’ advertisement. She clicked the link and contacted the advertiser via WhatsApp, applying for a RM5,000 loan.

“Instead, the lenders approved a RM6,400 loan and instructed her to submit personal documents, including her identity card, payslips, selfies, utility bills, and family contact details. The syndicate later disbursed RM4,000 on March 4 and another RM2,400 on March 21, crediting a total of RM6,400 into her bank account,” he told a press conference today, as reported by TVS Rebao.

The syndicate then demanded repayment of RM8,000, including interest, by April 3. Unable to meet the demand, the victim’s brother in Kuching was contacted. In an effort to resolve the matter, he transferred RM8,000 in three instalments between April 15 and 17.

However, the harassment did not stop. The syndicate then demanded an additional RM5,000 as a so-called “settlement fee”. The brother complied, transferring the amount on April 20 and 22, while also requesting a settlement letter, which was verbally promised.

Instead of ending the matter, Foo said the syndicate escalated their demands, insisting on a further RM6,000 and threatening to send people to the family’s home to collect the debt.

“Fearing for their safety, especially for the 76-year-old mother living with him, the brother lodged a police report on the night of April 22. Despite this, the harassment continued, with further calls and voice messages demanding payment on April 23,” he added.

The victim also filed a report in Johor Bahru, and police are currently investigating the case.

Foo said the case has shifted from a illegal money lending to criminal intimidation and extortion, making it far more serious.

He warned that the extensive personal data provided by the victim, including identification documents and photographs, could be misused for identity fraud, online defamation, or even turning victims into money mules.

“Once again, I want to urge the public not to engage with suspicious online loan advertisements and to avoid sharing personal information with unknown parties. Those facing financial difficulties should seek assistance through legitimate banking channels instead,” he reminded.

Foo also called on authorities to intensify enforcement against online scam syndicates, as such cases are becoming increasingly aggressive and exploitative, often involving continuous extortion until victims are financially drained. — DayakDaily