KUANTAN (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A handyman's wish of earning quick money by becoming a gigolo was dashed when he was cheated of RM2,500 (S$850) instead.

The 37-year-old victim, who wanted to be known only as Mr Choo, said he needed money quickly to please his girlfriend after a quarrel, so he contacted a so-called agent for "male escorts" introduced by his friends.

"This agent named Kent told me he could get me women customers. He said I could earn up to RM3,000 for three hours' work," Mr Choo said at Teruntum assemblyman Sim Chon Siang's office on Saturday (July 9).

But there was a catch as Mr Choo had to deposit RM1,000 to the agent's bank account as a processing fee, as well as RM1,500 as a finder's fee.

Mr Choo was told his first client would be a 35-year-old bank manager but when he showed up at the hotel for the appointment at 2.45am on July 3, nobody was there.

"I tried to contact Kent but he had blocked me. I then realised I had been cheated. I just want Kent to return my money," he said.

Mr Choo said he regretted his decision as his girlfriend now knew what he did and was refusing to answer his calls.

Mr Sim has advised Mr Choo to lodge a police report as he was a victim.

He said his check with the Companies Commission showed that Kent's bank account was linked to a company registered as a clothing and accessories shop in Kuala Lumpur.

"This may be a syndicate which has cheated multiple men," Mr Sim said.