He said that he really appreciated the support he got from his family, especially his son, whom he said was neither angry nor upset with him and told him to move on and to not let such scams happen again.
“But for now, it’s not over yet,” Pang explained, as he still blames himself for falling prey to the scam.
He said: “I’m still trying to come to terms with myself: ‘Why did I get myself involved? Why was I that stupid? So gullible’.”
“I thought I wouldn’t be caught in such a scam. I never thought that it would happen to me. I’ve heard of a lot of other people being scammed, but they just kept it to themselves because of fear of embarrassment,” he added.
Host Das DD comforted Pang and said: “It’s not that you were stupid, this was a very strategic syndicate designed to prey on people your age group.”
Pang explained that he hopes to create awareness of such scams through the interview.
The veteran actor also expressed his gratitude to his family, friends and supporters for helping him through the ordeal.
“This past week has been incredibly overwhelming for me. But the support from friends, showing me their genuine love and care, makes a very big difference in recovering,” he said.
When asked if there was anyone who has not been supportive and what he would like to say to them, he said: “I have also seen a lot of these keyboard warriors, making fun of me, saying a lot of unkind things about me. You have not been in this position. You are not in the position to make remarks about me like that. Shame on you.”
Pang also shared his advice in hopes of preventing other victims of such scams.
“Children listen, your elderly parents need your support, alright? You share the world with them. Never, ever neglect them. Always find out what they are doing, okay? So they do not make any mistakes like me,” he said.
He also cautioned seniors who are socialising to avoid loneliness. “Just be careful. If the topic of money comes up, that is a red flag. Do not go any further.”
He shared his plans to move forward from the incident: “Right now I’m focusing on healing myself emotionally, financially and staying away from making friends online.”
