00:01A group of women who enrolled in esthetician courses in hopes of building careers in the
00:06beauty industry claimed they were instead duped into paying large sums for fake certificates
00:11bearing forged logos of a public university. Each victim said she spent between 100,000 ringgit
00:18and 180,000 ringgit on the courses. One of them, who wished to be known only as Wong,
00:24said she signed up after seeing what appeared to be a legitimate advertisement for the academy
00:29on Facebook. Wong, who is in her 30s, told a press conference organized by MCA Public Services
00:36and Complaints Department head, Datuk Sri Michael Chong on Wednesday, that the academy claimed
00:41there was a waiting list for enrollment, creating a sense of urgency.
01:26Another victim, known as Lee, said that he had to buy a license.
01:29He said she attended classes for two years and paid more than 100,000 ringgit before discovering
01:35that the certificate she received was not genuine. Lawyer Esther Hoare, who represents the victims,
01:41said the academy conducted both theory and practical classes in hotels, and none of the students
01:47had ever been shown its headquarters.
02:02Chong said the academy used forged logos of a public university to make the certificates appear authentic.
02:08He added that the university had become aware of the matter and had lodged a police report.
02:13Eight victims have come forward so far, but Chong believes the number is only the tip of the iceberg.
02:20He said the women had invested significant sums in pursuit of careers as beauticians and estheticians,
02:26only to have their plans derailed by the alleged scam.
02:29The victims, some have lost police report, and many have lost police report.
02:34And this case has gone to the CCID, commercial crime, and we hope the authorities will investigate as soon as
02:44possible.
02:47Before more fake doctors coming out and all this get into serious trouble with the health problem.
02:55Hoare said checks with the university and the higher education ministry
02:58confirmed that the logos on the certificates were fake.
03:02She added that legal action would be taken against the academy.
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