Over the weekend, Azhar's claim that he was offered a scholarship from the world's most prestigious space agency came under the spotlight, as several local media pointed out several discrepencies in his announcement.
Now, the 20-year-old revealed that he was a victim of a scam through a series of tweets on Sunday (3 May).
We thought it would be best to just embed the tweets. Read what he has to say, guys:
Asslm, today I am here to clarify a certain number of things. First and foremost, the genuineness of my NASA scholarship. Around 20 March, I participated in the NASA suit designing competition categorised under NASA for grades 9-12. I did my part.
— Saturn ? (@theotherazharal) May 3, 2020
and waited for the best upon submission two weeks later. Upon another two weeks, I received an email claiming that I’ve been selected as top 1%. Out of content, I shared this great news with my friends.
— Saturn ? (@theotherazharal) May 3, 2020
Two things happened upon this, many congratulated me and a certain few checked for the authenticity for the certification. Thank you, you guys are my heroes. The main email has only attachment & link.
— Saturn ? (@theotherazharal) May 3, 2020
was given a link to a portal in which I was able to select a photo for my so call recognition the first indication that I was a potential Victim of Scam. I took a screenshot from the link as I wanted you guys to get a glimpse of how things would look like.
— Saturn ? (@theotherazharal) May 3, 2020
In the meantime, I have also received ambiguous emails from NUS, and this time the emails came in without the NUS domain, another indication of scam. I have also written to NUS recently.
— Saturn ? (@theotherazharal) May 3, 2020
On top of that, I raised the matter to NASA in their official website to further secure its entitlement. Using this opportunity, I would also like to make a request for people to stop making false statements on my behalf.
— Saturn ? (@theotherazharal) May 3, 2020
I am still a student, reaching the peak of my career. I have offers from reputable institutions from abroad and I would dearly request for the people of Malaysia to not jeopardise my future career for this uncertainty.
— Saturn ? (@theotherazharal) May 3, 2020
What we, myself included, can learn from this is that we should always check for authenticity before engaging or posing any form of news to the public. I’m not going to apologise upon being a Victim of a Scam.
— Saturn ? (@theotherazharal) May 3, 2020
I feel very sad for many unknown people like me who are brought to this kind scam, potentially lose their money and dignity. To all of you, please do not be afraid and keep silent.
— Saturn ? (@theotherazharal) May 3, 2020
This can lead to depression and potential suicide as we can see teen suicide are rising due to depression. I would like to thank my parents who give me courage and guided me.
— Saturn ? (@theotherazharal) May 3, 2020
I would also want to thank my friends who have dearly supported me through these tough times, and the people who congratulated me. I would also want to thank the individuals who point out the flaws and sense of realisation into me.
— Saturn ? (@theotherazharal) May 3, 2020
I am an astrophile, I love the universe and all it has to offer. Thank you my fellow friends for supporting me. Hope the very best is in for all of you. Thank you. Asslm
— Saturn ? (@theotherazharal) May 3, 2020No apologies but a lesson to learn
The bottom line is that he was basically scammed.
Good job to Netizens for sniffing out discrepencies in Muhammad Azhar's initial announcement.
The things that don't add up include language errors, issues with the logo (which many says looked like a copy/paste job) and Muhammad Azhar's name not being found in the NASA database.
To the scammer, shame on you and before you judge Muhammad Azhar, have you ever fallen for a scam? Maybe you know a family member or a friend who has fallen for a scam?It can happen to anyone. We just got to be additionally careful you guys.
