Scammer Poses As Famous Property Agent On Facebook, Scams Over $15K From Unsuspecting Victims
Scams are on the rise lately despite the countless police advisories that have been broadcast across various media platforms. This time, however, it is a story about a housing agent who was impersonated on Facebook by an unscrupulous scammer. Ina Sultan is an accomplished agent who is a Division director for ERA Shield Division.
Source: Facebook, Ina Sultan
The past few months, she’s been accused of running a crypto scam on Facebook under the moniker of Jamiah Salam. She realized that someone has been impersonating her by using her photos on Facebook to run a rather lucrative scheme. In an exclusive interview with Plan B sg’s reporter, she shared more on the nightmare that’s been plaguing her for a few months now.
Source: Facebook, Ina Sultan
When did you first realize that Jamiah Salam was impersonating you?
I don’t remember the exact date but it was around a few months ago when someone sent me Jamiah’s profile on Facebook, asking if it was me. I was shocked because it was my picture but this Jamiah Salam’s name on the profile. Jamiah Salam is also apparently married to an Ahmad Nurul, who is using my husband, Muhd Ardy’s pictures in their Facebook profile.
Jamiah Salam’s FB profile
Ina Sultan’s FB Profile
Scams are on the rise lately despite the countless police advisories that have been broadcast across various media platforms. This time, however, it is a story about a housing agent who was impersonated on Facebook by an unscrupulous scammer. Ina Sultan is an accomplished agent who is a Division director for ERA Shield Division.
Source: Facebook, Ina Sultan
The past few months, she’s been accused of running a crypto scam on Facebook under the moniker of Jamiah Salam. She realized that someone has been impersonating her by using her photos on Facebook to run a rather lucrative scheme. In an exclusive interview with Plan B sg’s reporter, she shared more on the nightmare that’s been plaguing her for a few months now.
Source: Facebook, Ina Sultan
When did you first realize that Jamiah Salam was impersonating you?
I don’t remember the exact date but it was around a few months ago when someone sent me Jamiah’s profile on Facebook, asking if it was me. I was shocked because it was my picture but this Jamiah Salam’s name on the profile. Jamiah Salam is also apparently married to an Ahmad Nurul, who is using my husband, Muhd Ardy’s pictures in their Facebook profile.
Jamiah Salam’s FB profile
Ina Sultan’s FB Profile
Ina Sultan’s FB Profile
Ina Sultan’s FB Profile
How many have approached you to say that they’ve been scammed?
I didn’t count but I received countless calls and messages from angry people. I was even scolded at Geylang Market by this lady who said that I was relaxing after running off with her and her family’s money. She actually threatened me, even after explaining to her that my pictures were stolen by Jamiah Salam. She said I had “no shame” to allow my photos to be used by the scammer and that I should “watch out”.
How much money did these people lose?
Those who approached me mentioned that they gave an average of between USD400-800. They were promised returns of up to USD7-8k in 2 weeks. They were then asked to transfer more money to upgrade to a “gold” crypto and bitcoin member in order for them to generate more returns. The highest amount that was scammed as far as I am aware of is SGD15k.
Have you reported the identity theft to the police?
I did, I reported it online months ago when I found out. The investigating officer (IO) called me back and assured me that they were investigating the case. I called the IO, telling her that I wanted to submit the transaction evidence that people forwarded to me but she said there was no need. I wanted the whole thing to stop because it was affecting me and my business.
According to the IO however, I didn’t have to worry as I have already made the report and that I don’t have to pay these people back. She also mentioned that it is hard to stop such online scammers as it requires certain protocols before they can liaise with Facebook to take them down.
I have yet to receive any updates from her.
Why do you think that you were targeted by Jamiah Salam?
I think she used my pictures because her target audience are malay-muslims. I have a lot of photos with my team that are uploaded on my Facebook profile. It is definitely easier for her to use such pictures to convince others that she is running a legit crypto based business.
The victims also told me that this woman is a sweet talker. They were taken in by her sweet words and the good religious personality she created online using my pictures with my team and family. So it is hard for them to accept it when they realize that they have been scammed.
I just want to raise awareness about such operations online. There are many out there who are impersonating people with businesses and lifestyles to con others out of their money. The victims are not only those who unfortunately lose money to such scammers but also the ones who are impersonated.
It will definitely affect the rice bowl and lives of those who are impersonated, like how it affected mine.
Netizens were sympathetic towards Ina who is as much a victim as the people who were scammed. They also were astounded at how easily people were to trust strangers online.
It’s rather harsh but the woman has a point. Despite so many advisories on scams, people are still taken in by scammers.
Some suggested that Ina delete her old account and start a new one. However, according to Ina, her other agent friends have fallen prey to such impersonators too.
The only way to stop such scams from happening is to be very wary. There is no scheme that will guarantee such high returns in a short time and even if there is, it is very risky. The police advisories are out there for everyone to read and understand. Don’t be too trusting of strangers especially when it comes to money matters.
If you do come across Facebook accounts that are suspicious, do not hesitate to report the accounts to Facebook. The more people report it, the more seriously Facebook will take it and bring the accounts down.
Reporter’s Opinions: Get educated on the more popular financial products that are out there. Crypto scams are the latest one because not many understand how crypto works.
There is no middle man for crypto. If you want to play, create your own accounts on the different platforms and invest at your own risk. There is a special place in hell for people who impersonate others and ruin their lives. You will reap what you sow.
And if there are those among you who are aware of friends and acquaintances who are being impersonated, please just report the accounts.
Listen to Plan B’s Podcast this week!
