KUALA LUMPUR: Don't be blinded by love online or risk falling victim to love scams, says Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf.
The Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director advised individuals seeking love online to be cautious and vigilant about red flags to avoid becoming victims.
"The public should stay alert to signs of love scams, such as their online love interest suddenly asking for money.
"We advise those who have found love online but have never met their romantic partner not to easily believe inconsistent stories or online profiles.
"We must be sceptical and question the intentions of someone, especially those who just started an online relationship. This is particularly true when they ask for money or personal information," he said at a press conference at the CCID headquarters on Tuesday (Sept 24).
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He also urged the public to use trusted sources to verify the validity of an online love interest through search engines or by contacting authorities.
"Discuss with friends and family to get their views as well.
"Such careful steps must be taken before committing financially or personally to someone online," he added.
He reminded the public following a case where a 58-year-old female lawyer was duped of RM1.7mil in a love scam on Sept 9.
"The victim met a man, who claimed to be an American marine geologist, through WhatsApp in July.
"The suspect supposedly came to Malaysia to oversee the construction of an underwater tank in Terengganu but claimed all his money was stolen.
"He then asked the victim to assist him by loaning him funds with the promise of paying it back soon.
"She ended up transferring RM1.7mil to a bank account but never saw her money again," he said.
