SIBU: A man was made poorer by RM42,300 after being swindled in a romance scam — not by a woman, but another man he got to know on social media.
A romance scam is a confidence trick involving feigning romantic intentions towards a victim,
gaining their affection, and then using that goodwill to commit fraud.
Sibu OCPD Asst Comm Stanley Jonathan Ringgit said the victim, a self-employed 42-year-old, got to know a fellow who identified himself as “Michael Bill” on Facebook on Sept 21.
“During their chats, the suspect sent his photo to the victim. He also told the victim that he was from Sweden and would be coming to Malaysia for a holiday and also to meet the latter,” he said.
On Oct 11, “Michael” messaged the victim, saying that he was already at Sweden airport en route to Malaysia.
The next day, a woman, who introduced herself as Siti Zara from KLIA Customs, told the
victim that “Michael” had been detained for allegedly bringing in USD90,000 which had not been declared.
He was then told that he needed to pay a certain sum for “Michael’s” release, and insurance and tax also, in order for “Michael” to bring in the USD90,000.
The victim did as instructed, transferring a total of RM42,300 in 11 transactions between Oct 12 and 14 to an account provided by “Siti Zara”.
He was again asked to make another payment of RM20,000 or else “Michael” would be arrested “as he (the victim) was the guarantor,” ACP Stanley said.
“It was only then that the victim realised that he had been conned and he lodged a police report on Oct 14.”
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
