Mechanic loses RM220,000 to love scam on Facebook
KUANTAN: A 58-year-old mechanic from Rompin lost RM220,000 of his savings after falling victim to a "love scam" syndicate he encountered on Facebook.
Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the man got to know a woman, who claimed to be from Japan, in April.
"A month into their online relationship, the woman told him that a parcel addressed to her had been sent from Turkiye to Japan, but was being withheld at the Turkish immigration office," he said in a statement today.
She then asked him for money to release the parcel, promising double the amount in return once the items were delivered.
The victim, believing the promise, made 50 separate transactions amounting to RM220,000.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.
Yahaya advised the public to be cautious when interacting with strangers online, especially on social media.
"Do not be easily deceived. Always verify before making financial transactions, and check phone numbers and bank accounts at https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my," he said.
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