HKU Master's grad duped of $210k in LinkedIn 'dream job' scam

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A 25-year-old University of Hong Kong postgraduate, drifting through the city's job market, lost HK$210,000 in a whirlwind seven-day fraud after chasing a LinkedIn "Remote Marketing" role that dangled effortless commissions for online shopping.

Surnamed Chen, the victim had notched a year of local work experience when the polished ad caught her eye. 

She fired off her resume, and soon "Ethan" from HR reached out, flashing a credible UK business license. 

The gig, he explained, centered on snapping up niche products to boost visibility and rake in profits. 

A quick website check quelled her initial unease, prompting a modest HK$300 starter deposit.

Tasks flew by, and early payouts trickled in without further outlay, fostering faith amid glowing tales from a supportive group chat. 

Yet the script flipped—escalating "upgrades" demanded HK$70,000 injections to unlock withdrawals, spawning pricier assignments and frozen balances.

The breaking point arrived with a HK$300,000 Chanel 1995 Diamond-Quilted handbag mandate—far beyond her HK$150,000 reach, sealing the funds' inaccessibility. 

Panic set in as the full HK$210,000 vanished into the void.

Haunted by the adage that wealth does not descend from above, Chen had sensed trouble but pressed on, isolated by the crushing weight of her deepening commitments.

By the time she confirmed the scam, she felt emotionally drained.

The police confirmed they received her report and classified the case accordingly. 

According to police data, from January to September this year, there were 3,566 online job scam reports, totaling HK$772 million in losses. 

The police urged the public to be wary of commission-based scams, as scammers often build trust by initially transferring funds to victims.

Be alert to “commission-based scams” in job applications:

If employers request advance costs or deposits before starting work, it is likely a scam.

If job ads lack company information or only provide social media contacts, be cautious.

Remind others to be vigilant against scams.

Suspect a scam? Call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” for assistance.