Pensioner Loses RM183,000 In Savings To ‘Love Scam’

MUAR: A senior citizen who is also a government pensioner suffered a loss of nearly RM200,000 after falling victim to a ‘love scam’ by two individuals posing as a corporate figure and a specialist doctor.

The 70-year-old victim got to know both individuals through Facebook Messenger at the end of April.

Muar District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz, said that both individuals introduced themselves as a corporate figure and a specialist doctor working overseas.

According to Raiz Mukhliz, after establishing the relationship, both suspects took advantage of the victim’s trust by claiming to need financial assistance to pay legal fees.

“The suspects told the victim that the legal fees were related to construction contract matters and the release of a cheque worth US$85,000 (RM346,596), which was said to be donated to a doctors’ association.

“At the same time, the victim was also promised to receive a sum of money after the matter was settled.

“Due to being too trusting, the victim made eight money transfer transactions into several accounts provided by the suspects, totalling RM183,100, using her savings,” he said in a statement.

He further said that after all payments were made, the suspects requested additional money under various pretexts until the victim realised she had been deceived.

“Following that, the victim made a police report, and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating,” he said.

Berita Harian