BINTULU: A shop assistant lost RM140,000 of her savings in a love scam after being charmed by a supposed doctor working in Cuba.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said the incident happened in late June this year when the woman, in her late 50s, met a man named ‘Genghis Guo’ on Facebook.
The suspect claimed that he is a doctor working in Cuba.
Both of them began communicating through Facebook Messenger, and the suspect promised to meet her after returning to Melbourne, Australia.
“However, in mid-August, Guo told the victim that he quit his job and requested financial assistance from the woman to pay a penalty for breaching his employment contract.
“At the end of August, the suspect requested extra funds to pay another penalty related to his contract in Cuba, and assured her that he would repay the money upon his arrival in Australia.
“The situation later took a different turn when the victim suddenly received an email from Tyler Clark, claiming to be Guo’s employer consultant. In the email, it was revealed that the suspect had been in a critical accident and needed money for medical expenses.
“Clark added that the suspect left his job to meet the victim and he would be arrested by police if his medical cost were not paid,” he said.
Blinded by emotions, the woman made a series of payments from mid-August to the end of August, thus resulting in a RM140,000 loss.
Mancha added that the woman realised she had been scammed when the suspect demanded more payments, and she had yet to receive any of the promised repayment from Guo.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property.
In light of this, the public is urged to be vigilant and avoid placing trust in newly acquainted individuals.
“The public should be cautious and refrain from responding to phone calls or messages from strangers. They should also avoid sharing banking information or making payments to unknown individuals or parties,” he said.
