Widower loses RM183,600 to love scam

KUANTAN - A welder lost his Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) and personal loan savings amounting to RM183,600 after falling victim to a love scam syndicate.

The 55-year-old widower was said to be willing to withdraw his retirement savings including bearing the burden of debt on a monthly basis after making the decision to marry a woman he got to know through Facebook in early January.

Pahang Police Chief Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said the victim had transferred RM25,600 through an online transfer in early February for the purpose of the wedding.

He said the money transfer was made for the payment of US$600,000 in shipping costs for their wedding expenses.

"The victim made 10 payment transactions into two different bank accounts as additional wedding expenses totaling RM183,600.

"The victim continued to be urged to deposit RM30,000 for the purpose of payment to Bank Negara to resolve the remittance problem, but the victim refused to do so," he said in a statement today.

Following that, Ramli said the victim made a report at the Kuantan District Police Headquarters (IPD) on Monday.

He also advised the public to be more sensitive and not be easily deceived by beautiful or handsome profile pictures.

He also urged everyone to be careful in choosing friends through social media, especially those who are said to be from abroad.

"The public is also advised not to lend or put money into the accounts of unknown individuals," he said.