Senior citizen loses nearly RM200k in love scam involving fake corporate figure

A 70-YEAR-OLD woman has lost RM183,100 after being deceived in a love scam by two individuals who allegedly used fake identities as a corporate figure and a medical specialist to gain her trust.

The retired government employee first came into contact with the two suspects through Facebook Messenger at the end of April.

Muar District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said the suspects introduced themselves as a corporate executive and a specialist doctor who were based overseas.

He said the suspects later exploited the victim’s trust by claiming they needed financial assistance to settle legal fees related to business matters.

"The suspects told the victim that the legal fees were linked to a construction contract arrangement and the release of a cheque worth US$85,000 (RM346,596), which was allegedly intended as a donation to a medical association.

"At the same time, the victim was promised that she would receive a sum of money once the process was completed," he said in a statement.

Raiz Mukhliz said the victim, believing the claims made by the suspects, carried out eight separate bank transfers amounting to RM183,100 into several accounts provided by them using her personal savings.

He said the suspects continued requesting additional payments under various pretexts even after the transfers were made, leading the victim to eventually realise she had been deceived.

Following the discovery, the victim lodged a police report and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating. - July 9, 2026