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By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, April 16: A 64-year-old retiree in Miri has lost more than RM1.17 million after falling victim to a “love scam” syndicate that lured her with promises of repayment in US dollars.
Miri District Police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the Commercial Crime Investigation Division received a report on April 15 regarding the case involving the elderly victim.
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According to police, the scam began when the victim received a message via TikTok before the suspect persuaded her to continue their communication on WhatsApp.
“The suspect impersonated a foreign national using photographs belonging to another individual, along with edited personal documents to gain the victim’s trust,” he said in a statement today.
He added that the suspect later claimed to have been awarded an exploration project and sought financial assistance from the victim, citing problems with a blocked or hacked bank account.
“The suspect allegedly convinced the victim to make advance payments and cover project-related expenses, promising that the money would be reimbursed in US dollars,” he added.
Believing the claims, the victim carried out 59 separate transactions to nine third-party bank accounts provided by the suspect, amounting to RM1,173,700.
The victim only realised she had been duped after discussing the matter with her family members, before lodging a police report.
Police are investigating the case under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which carries a jail term of between one and 10 years, whipping, and a fine upon conviction.
Authorities have advised the public to remain cautious when dealing with individuals met online and to avoid making financial transactions to unknown parties, especially those involving urgent requests or promises of lucrative returns. — DayakDaily
English (US) ·