When Love Turns to Fraud: RM150,000 Lost in Online Scam

A 51-year-old single mother from Malaysia, employed as a civil servant, recently became the victim of an intricate love scam, resulting in a financial loss of RM148,200 (approximately 31,500 USD). The incident has been confirmed by Setiu district police chief Mohd Zain Mat Dris, who stated that the victim filed a report on Saturday, June 22.

The scam began in June when the victim received a Facebook message from someone using a fake profile named Azli Ahmad, which featured a photograph of a pilot. This initial contact quickly developed into a deeper conversation as they transitioned to communicating through WhatsApp. This tactic is common among scammers, who often use appealing and trustworthy personas to build a relationship with their victims.

The suspect allegedly offered to send the victim a gift package that included high-value items such as a handbag, a watch, shoes, and US$10,000 in cash. This package was purportedly intended for donation to orphans and also served as a token of their burgeoning friendship. This promise of generosity and personal connection is a typical strategy employed by scammers to gain the trust and emotional investment of their victims.

As the communication progressed, the victim was contacted by another individual posing as a delivery agent. This person claimed to be experiencing issues with the delivery of the package and requested that the victim make payments to cover import duties and delivery costs. From June 14 until the previous Saturday, the victim made a total of 23 cash transfers to various accounts, amounting to RM148,200. The method of asking for incremental payments over a period is a tactic used by scammers to gradually deplete the victims resources without raising immediate suspicion.

Adding to the victim's distress, Chief Mohd Zain revealed that the suspect further manipulated her by linking her to various fabricated crimes and threatening legal action if the payments were not made. This coercive strategy preyed on the victim‘s fear, compelling her to comply with the demands to avoid supposed legal repercussions. The use of intimidation and threats is a common element in scams, designed to create a sense of urgency and fear, thereby clouding the victim’s judgment.

The case is currently being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which deals with cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property. This section is invoked in cases involving fraudulent activities that result in substantial financial loss. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover more details about the scam and bring the perpetrators to justice.

This incident highlights the increasing sophistication of online scams and the need for heightened awareness and vigilance. Scammers often exploit social media platforms to identify and target vulnerable individuals, using elaborate stories and false promises to build trust and manipulate their victims emotionally and financially.

Love scams, such as the one experienced by this victim, share similarities with broker scams. In fact, some scam brokers have begun disguising their schemes as love scams. In these cases, fraudsters hire individuals to impersonate romantic partners, luring victims into seemingly serious relationships. Once trust and emotional bonds are established, the fake lover convinces the victim to trade or invest money with a specific broker, promising lucrative returns. This sophisticated blend of emotional manipulation and financial fraud makes it particularly challenging for victims to recognize the scam until it is too late.

The Setiu district police chief emphasized the importance of being cautious when interacting with strangers online, especially when they make grand promises or request financial assistance. He urged the public to report any suspicious activities immediately to the authorities.

For individuals seeking companionship or engaging in online relationships, it is crucial to remain sceptical of unsolicited messages from unknown individuals. Ensuring the legitimacy of the person behind the profile and being wary of any financial requests can help prevent falling victim to similar scams.