Malaysian worker claims ‘hypnosis scam’ encounter at JB checkpoint, “felt dizzy” after approached by a Chinese woman

MALAYSIA: A Malaysian worker recently shared his suspected encounter with alleged “hypnosis fraud gang” (迷魂党)  at the Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex in Malaysia, where he pointed out that he felt giddy after a brief conversation with a Chinese woman who approached her.

Last Thursday (9 Nov), a netizen who goes by the name Jayden Chim, took to the Facebook group “JB-Singapore both Checkpoint sharing site” to alert other fellow group members about the alleged scam.

Jayden shared that on that day around 10.20 pm night, he was approached by a woman speaking with a Chinese accent.

The woman inquired about his work status in Singapore, stating that she would be working there the next day. She hoped the man could recommend part-time work and even offered to treat him to a meal as a token of gratitude.

The male netizen explained that, at that moment, he politely declined the woman’s inquiries, claiming not to know about any job opportunities.

He quickly made up an excuse about being busy and promptly left, ensuring his safe return home.

“As soon as I heard her Chinese accent, I held my breath. After a few sentences, I took a breath and felt a cool scent coming from her. Then I started feeling dizzy!”

He suspected that he might have encountered the “hypnosis scam” and urged his fellow Facebook group members to be cautious.

Fellow FB group members share similar encounters with alleged scam artist

“Hypnosis fraud gang” typically refers to a group of individuals who engage in scams or criminal activities using techniques that involve hypnosis or manipulation. These groups are known to exploit people by putting them in a trance-like state, making them more susceptible to suggestions and coercion.

The methods employed in hypnosis can manifest in various forms, yet the end result remains consistent. Victims may be deceived into withdrawing cash, and in more severe instances, coerced into surrendering their entire savings to these criminal syndicates.

Commenting on Jayden’s post, numerous netizens asserted that they had also encountered the same woman mentioned at the Sultan Iskandar CIQ Complex. Some shared their own experiences with similar scam syndicates that exploit others’ sympathies to coerce money from them.

Within the comments, some members cautioned others against interacting with strangers when approached by dubious individuals at the complex. They advised others to exercise caution and simply walk away if faced with such situations.

One netizen reported seeing two Chinese girls lingering at the bus station the previous day, dressed similarly to those depicted in the picture.

Another netizen recounted a similar encounter, stating that the woman also approached him with a plea, saying, ‘Brother, I just arrived in Malaysia. My child has nothing to eat. Can you help?’

The netizen mentioned that he chose not to engage and promptly walked away.

Notably, a netizen reported encountering a Chinese woman who asked him for money to buy food.

“I simply smiled and ignored her, walked a bit, and encountered her again. Now, everyone in Johor Bahru should be more cautious.”

Yet another netizen reports feeling dizzy following an encounter with two Chinese individuals

Notably, a comment also shared encountering two Chinese individuals, a male and a female and claimed to have felt dizzy after a conversation with them.

He recounted that the Chinese woman informed him that they were here for travel and asked if, in case they encountered any trouble, he could treat them to a meal.

Upon hearing they were Chinese, I told them I was in a hurry, took a few steps, and started feeling a bit dizzy. Even when I got home and went upstairs, I still felt a bit dizzy. Fortunately, I walked quickly. Everyone should be cautious.”

Netizen claims alleged victimhood, exploited through sympathies

Unfortunately, a netizen claimed that he allegedly fell victim to a scam by two women who stated they had traveled a long way and faced visa issues. They asserted being without money for food and requested the netizen to buy them a meal. Driven by sympathy, he spent approximately RM40 on purchasing food.

“After buying the meal, they took advantage and asked me to help them book a budget hotel. Upon hearing that, I said, ‘I can’t help you,’ apologized, and quickly left.”

Deceptive tactics of syndicates targeting elderly individuals in Malaysia

In fact, earlier in August, authorities in Malaysia’s Johor state issued a warning to the public regarding the activities of similar hypnosis fraud syndicates that frequently target elderly individuals at markets and supermarkets.

The Johor police chief, Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat, revealed that the modus operandi of these suspects involves initiating random conversations with their victims, with the aim of gathering information about their backgrounds and families.

Subsequently, the suspects exploit this information by suggesting that the victims’ loved ones are in peril or that they face impending misfortune unless they seek help, typically from a shaman, to alter their fate.

Once the victims are ensnared in this web of deception, they are escorted to secluded areas, such as houses or vehicles, away from the public eye.

There, they are coerced into surrendering their money and valuables under the guise of a “treatment” or “ritual.”

Comm Kamarul Zaman pointed out that victims often claim to be unaware of their actions as they willingly hand over their assets.

By the time they regain their senses, the suspects have already vanished with the stolen valuables.

He urged the public, particularly senior citizens, to remain vigilant when in public spaces, especially when approached by unfamiliar individuals.

Comm Kamarul Zaman emphasized the importance of verifying such requests with family members or authorities before parting with belongings or making payments to strangers.

Distinguishing ‘pukau’ from hypnosis

Although some victims of these scams have described feeling “hypnotized,” medical professionals from the Malaysian Society of Clinical Hypnosis (MSCH) clarified that the scammers do not employ actual hypnosis.

Dr. Thema Abdul Majid, President of MSCH, explained that “pukau” or being put under a spell is distinct from hypnosis.

“Pukau” is typically utilized with the intention of manipulation and harm.

Techniques such as persuasive language, physical contact, intense eye contact, and shock tactics are employed to instill fear in victims, convincing them that they face grave dangers unless they comply.

This often involves relinquishing their valuables in exchange for purported rituals.

Thema stressed that the actions of “pukau” scammers have unfairly tainted the reputation of hypnotherapy.

Hypnotherapy is sought for addressing various health concerns such as anxiety, phobias, weight management, smoking cessation, pain management, and more.

Patients willingly participate in hypnotherapy sessions and remain in control throughout.

It is a consent-based process, allowing patients to open their eyes at any time and reject anything that does not resonate with them.

It does not involve putting patients into a trance with the snap of fingers.

Thema also noted that formal training for clinical hypnotherapy was introduced in Malaysia in 2006, highlighting the legitimate and beneficial uses of this practice.