We often hear stories of people from overseas spending thousands of dollars just for a chance to work in Singapore, only to end up without a job.
But for one 70-year-old man, the experience was quite the opposite.
70YO Security Guard Lost Over $10,000 While Trying to Get a High-Paying “Teaching Job” in Laos
A 70-year-old security guard from Singapore fell prey to a job scam that left him stranded in Laos for one and a half months after paying more than $10,000 for a non-existent teaching position.
According to Shin Min Daily News, the security guard, Mr Tan, said that he met Vincent, a fellow security guard, in May or June this year. Vincent spoke of job opportunities in Laos that caught Mr Tan’s attention.
“Vincent mentioned a language school in Laos hiring teachers with monthly salaries of $7,000 to $8,000. As a former teacher, I was interested,” said Mr Tan.
On 19 August, Mr Tan flew to Bangkok and took a bus to Vientiane, Laos’s capital.
Before the trip, Vincent collected $5,000 as a deposit, borrowed another $5,000, and asked for $385 for to buy air-conditioners.
For the first two weeks in Laos, Vincent took Mr Tan sightseeing.
Vincent housed Mr Tan in a small village house belonging to his girlfriend. After that, Vincent disappeared for over a month.
“Each time I asked about the job or the money, Vincent had excuses. He demanded an extra $5,000 for job placement and kept delaying repayment. He even told me to report to the police,” Mr Tan said.
On 30 September, Mr Tan contacted the local village chief about his situation. The chief’s secretary helped him alert the Singapore Embassy and file a police report.
All in all, Mr Tan stayed in Laos for two months, making a trip to Thailand’s Nong Khai during this period to comply with visa requirements.
With his savings depleted, he had to survive on bread for two weeks.
Vincent finally reappeared and arranged for Mr Tan’s return to Singapore on 14 October via Bangkok. The police confirmed receiving Mr Tan’s report about the case.
When contacted, Vincent admitted to owing money but declined further comment, stating he was not in Singapore.
Mr Tan has not received any repayment to date.
Vincent denied allegations of forcing Mr Tan to return to Singapore, saying that he never threatened him, adding that if Mr Tan continues this behaviour, he won’t get his money back.
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