Lawyer from Merlimau loses RM18k after befriending woman on WeChat

MELAKA: A 27-year-old lawyer from Merlimau here was cheated of RM18,243.

Melaka Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Supt E. Sundra Rajan said the victim had befriended a woman who claimed to be from China through the WeChat dating site on Nov 26, last year.

“The victim was told of a chance to earn lucrative returns by transferring money into a supposed online investment scheme called ‘Malaishop.CN’ after a few days of communication, ” he said on Thursday (Jan 21).

Supt Sundra said the victim, thinking he could earn easy money, transferred the cash to the scammer in five transactions in multiple bank accounts beginning last year.

He said however, the victim did not receive any returns including the capital as guaranteed.

Supt Sundra said the victim became suspicious and lodged a police report on Wednesday (Jan 20).

“There is no such thing as easy money and I hope people don’t get trapped in widespread online investment scams, ” he said.

He added that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides for a maximum jail term of 10 years and whipping, and a fine if convicted.