KEPALA BATAS: A bank officer here became the latest victim to fall for a Love Scam syndicate, resulting in her losing a whopping RM3 million.
The 51-year-old’s ordeal started when she befriended a man, known as “John Eric Chen”, through a dating app last August.
After the initial meeting, they subsequently connected further through WhatsApp.
The suspect then proposed that the victim enter into a business partnership with him worth US$25 million.
When she agreed to the proposal, she was asked to make an initial payment of US$38,000.
Seberang Prai Utara district police chief Assistant Commissioner Noorzainy Mohd Noor said the duo soon grew closer, and the suspect even promised to marry the victim.
“Out of trust and love, the victim made 19 transactions into three accounts provided by the suspect between last August and September.
“In total, the victim transferred US$815,331 (RM3,261,324).
“Once the monies were deposited into the accounts, the suspect stopped communications with the victim,” he added.
It is learnt that besides using her own salary and savings, the victim borrowed money from relatives to make the payments.
Finally realising that she had been duped by the syndicate, the victim lodged a police report on the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Noorzainy advised the people not to be easily duped by the tricks of such syndicates.
“(You) should also not so easily (be taken with) the sweet words of those (you have) just met through social media,” he cautioned.