Lai Yi Jing, 21, revealed that she was offered nearly US$9,000 to participate in a photo shoot with 50 men performing a sexual act. Young Singaporean girls should remain vigilant against suspicious job offers that seem too good to be true, especially those involving modeling or photo shoots. As social media becomes an increasingly common platform for recruitment, it’s essential to be aware of potential scams and inappropriate propositions. Always verify the legitimacy of any offer and prioritize your safety above financial incentives.
A TikTok video of a Lai Yi Jing warning others about an offer she received to take part in a sexually suggestive photo shoot involving 50 men has gone viral. Several users reported receiving similar propositions.
Junior designer Lai Yi Jing, 21, posted a video on the platform last week, saying she received an email from a man named “Gavin Choo,” who identified himself as a Singapore-based freelance photographer. He claimed to be scouting for models for a paid project described as a “clothed” indoor photo shoot with a “unique concept.” In return for participating, she would be paid S$8,000 (US$5,900).
Wondering if it was too good to be true, Lai asked the man for more details to verify his legitimacy. The man responded that the model would have to be dressed in a crop top and a tennis skirt and that the shoot would involve 50 other men performing a sexual act. He then said that the remuneration would be raised to S$12,000 (US$8,900). Lai did not take up the offer.
“I’m just raising awareness on this. If you ever receive an email, be it named Gavin Choo or whoever else, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” she said. “I would do anything for money, just not this.”
The video had amassed more than 174,000 views and over 250 comments as of Monday. In the comments section, TikTok users expressed shock at the nature of the man’s offer, with some asking Lai to report the man to the authorities. Many who commented on the video stated that they had been propositioned by the photographer for a similar photo shoot as well, either through email or a direct message on social media.
Lai Yi Jing eventually made a police report. The Singapore police informed her that they found the man who sent the email and gave him a warning. Under Singapore’s Films Act, it is illegal to make or reproduce obscene films, even if not for distribution or exhibition to the public. Those found guilty can be fined up to S$40,000 or jailed for up to two years, or both.
The city-state’s Undesirable Publications Act also states that it is illegal to take obscene photos if the photos were taken to supply or distribute them to others. This offense can result in a fine of up to S$2,000 or a jail term of up to two years.
While Lai felt “disgusted” by the situation, she acknowledged that “these things are expected to happen because there are a lot of weird people out there.” Initially, she had not made a police report because she felt there was “no point” if the police could only issue a warning to the man. However, she now believes it is worthwhile for the police to “look into the case” again to ascertain if the perpetrator is the same man responsible for past cases.
“We never know if his next victim would actually fall for it, and who knows what would happen then?” she said.
Lai Yi Jing and Gavin Choo Incident
We are relieved that Lai Yi Jing did not fall for this deceitful scheme and instead took the brave step of exposing it. By sharing her experience on TikTok and making a police report, she has raised awareness and potentially protected others from similar scams. The Singapore police have issued a warning to the perpetrator, highlighting the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting in safeguarding against such incidents.
Suggested: 50 places for photography in Singapore