SIBU: A 56-year-old female clerk here fell victim to a love scam, losing RM1.06 million, according to Sarawak deputy commissioner of police Datuk Mancha Ata.
The Sibu police received a report on Monday (July 31) from the 56-year-old woman, who claimed to have been conned by a man she met on social media.
“The victim said she met a man known as ‘Thomas Yeng Leong’ on Facebook in the middle of last year and they began a relationship. They continued their communication through WhatsApp,” said Mancha.
The scammer fabricated a story, claiming to be an engineer working in London, and requested the woman’s assistance in making payments for the purchase of chemicals needed for his work.
“She agreed and transferred RM395,000 to five different bank accounts between August and September 2022,” explained Mancha.
In September, the scammer promised to meet the victim in Malaysia, but shortly afterwards, she was contacted by an individual claiming to be a “Customs officer.”
According to Mancha, this person informed the victim that the scammer had been detained in Thailand for carrying an excessive amount of US dollars and required payment of a fine for his release.
The victim believed the story and transferred RM255,000 to three different bank accounts between September and October.
“Following this, the victim made an additional 36 money transfers totaling around RM414,000 to 16 different bank accounts between May and July 2023,” said Mancha. He added that the funds were supposedly intended for the scammer’s work-related purchases, dating expenses in Malaysia, and emergencies.
The victim eventually realized she had been deceived when the scammer continued to ask for more money for various reasons.
The case is currently under investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
