Single mother loses almost RM150,000 in love scam

BANDAR PERMAISURI: A 51-year-old single mother, who is a civil servant, has lost RM148,200 after being duped in a love scam.

Setiu district police chief Mohd Zain Mat Dris said the victim lodged a report on Saturday (June 22).

"The victim claimed that she received a Facebook message in June from someone using a fake profile with the name Azli Ahmad, which had the picture of a pilot. They then continued communicating using WhatsApp.

"The suspect later offered to send her a gift package containing items like a handbag, watch and shoes and US$10,000 in cash to be donated to orphans. It was also meant to be a sign of their friendship," he said in a statement on Sunday (June 23).

Mohd Zain said that on June 14, the victim was contacted by an individual claiming to be a delivery agent who said he was having problems delivering the package and asked her to make payments for import duties and delivery costs.

"From June 14 until on Saturday, the victim made 23 cash transfers to different accounts totalling RM148,200," he said.

He added that the suspect told the victim she had been linked to various crimes and threatened to take action if no payment was made. Out of fear, she did as told," he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code. – Bernama