SIBU: What was thought would be true love with a man she met online turned out to be a love scam when a local woman had to painfully part with RM152,050 in a love scam.
The alleged lover rode on the pretext of needing the money in exchange for freedom from immigration detention at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as the modus operandi used in luring the woman to part with the money.
Sibu OCPD ACP Zulkipli Suhaili confirmed that a report on the alleged crime was received by the Commercial Crime Investigation Division (CCID) from the 44-year-old victim around 8pm yesterday (Dec 13).
He disclosed that the victim had gotten acquainted with the suspect through Facebook since September.
“Later, on Oct 8, the suspect told the victim via WhatsApp that he needed help as he was being held by KLIA Immigration.
“The suspect claimed that he was carrying a significant amount of British pounds and didn’t realise it was an offence.
“The victim then made a gradual deposit of money into the accounts given by the suspect to pay for the release because she ‘believed and felt sorry’ for her lover,” he said.
She then transferred a sum of RM152,050 into two different accounts via 27 transactions between Oct 10 and Dec 5.
Zulkipli said the victim only realised she had been duped after questioning the payment and informing her friend.
The police chief cautioned the public against being easily duped and allowing themselves to be persuaded by someone they have never met.
“Other than that, be cautious when sending money to people you only know through social media, especially those you have never met.
“The public can always verify any suspicious bank accounts at the nearest police station or online at http://semakmuke.rmp.gov.my.
“They can also contact the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) Infoline at 013-2111222, CCID Response Centre at 03- 26101559/03-26101599, and the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997,” he said.
