A woman lost RM112,500 after allegedly falling victim to a love scam involving a man who claimed to be a pilot from the United States whom she met on TikTok.
Labuan police chief Superintendent Wan Mohd Firdaus Wan Zaki said the victim first became acquainted with the suspect through the social media platform before the two developed an online romantic relationship.
He said the suspect later told the woman that he would send her a parcel allegedly containing US$447,000 in cash.
“On Aug 25, the victim was contacted by an individual claiming to be the manager of a delivery company, who informed her that the parcel had been detained at the Singapore-Malaysia border.
“The victim was then instructed to make several payments to facilitate the release of the parcel,” he said, according to Bernama today.
Believing the claims, the victim proceeded to make several payments into bank accounts provided by the suspect.
Police said the transactions eventually resulted in total losses of RM112,500.
However, after making the payments, the woman discovered that the suspect had blocked her telephone number and could no longer be contacted.
She subsequently lodged a police report for further action.
Wan Mohd Firdaus said the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Police have repeatedly advised the public to remain cautious when forming online relationships, particularly when individuals they have never met in person request money or claim that payments are needed to release parcels or other valuables.
