JOHOR BARU: A 28-year-old delivery rider lost RM63,826 after falling victim to an online love scam here.
Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Raub Selamat said the incident began in early August 2024 when the victim befriended a woman, allegedly using a false identity under the name "Leong Kin Seng," through the social media platform WeChat.
“After about 20 days of communication, the suspect requested financial assistance, claiming it was needed for her ailing mother's medical expenses.
“She also threatened to end their relationship if the victim refused.
“Fooled by her pleas, the victim made 16 online money transfers to an account under the suspect’s name between Aug 25 and Nov 16, 2024,” he said in a statement here on Sunday (Jan 5).
ACP Raub added that when the victim later requested to meet the suspect and her family, she gave numerous excuses to avoid a meeting.
“Suspecting foul play, the victim conducted a reverse image search on Google and discovered that the WeChat profile photo used by the suspect belonged to a well-known Hong Kong actress,” he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
The police have advised the public to exercise caution when interacting on social media.
“They can verify phone numbers using the Truecaller app and bank account details through the ‘Semak Mule’ app provided by the Commercial Crime Investigation Department.
“Suspicious activities should be reported to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) via the hotline at 997. Additionally, the public can follow JSJK’s social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates on scammers’ tactics,” he said.
In a separate case, ACP Raub shared that the police conducted a special operation targeting illegal racing and road bullies in Johor Baru early this morning.
The operation was carried out from 12.30am to 5am across three hotspot locations in the city.
“The focus was on inspecting riders and vehicles engaging in activities that endangered themselves and other road users.
“Five motorcycles were seized for further investigation under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
“Eight summonses were also issued for various offences, including driving without a licence and unauthorized vehicle modifications,” he said.
Five teenagers, aged between 16 and 19, were arrested for performing dangerous stunts on the road, posing a risk to themselves and others.
The police have assured that they will continue monitoring and taking firm action in known hotspots for such activities.
Members of the public are encouraged to assist in combating illegal racing and road bullying by providing information via the Johor Baru South District Police Headquarters hotline at 07-218 2222.
