A 70-year-old retired civil servant lost nearly RM200,000 after falling victim to a love scam involving two individuals who allegedly posed as a corporate figure and a specialist doctor.
The elderly woman was introduced to the two suspects through Facebook Messenger at the end of April, before the pair allegedly gained her trust by claiming to be professionals working overseas.
Muar District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said the suspects presented themselves as a corporate executive and a medical specialist, and later exploited their relationship with the victim by requesting financial assistance.
He said the suspects claimed they needed money to cover legal fees related to a construction contract matter and the release of a US$85,000 (RM346,596) cheque that was supposedly intended as a donation to a doctors’ association.
The victim was also promised that she would receive a sum of money once the alleged transactions were completed. Trusting the claims made by the suspects, she proceeded to make eight separate money transfers into several accounts provided by them.
Raiz Mukhliz said the total amount transferred by the victim reached RM183,100, which came from her personal savings. Such scams often rely on emotional manipulation and false promises to convince victims into making repeated payments.
After completing the payments, the suspects continued requesting additional money by giving various reasons, causing the woman to realise she had been deceived.
The victim later lodged a police report, and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. Authorities continue to remind the public to be cautious when forming online relationships, especially with individuals who request financial assistance.
