KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 69 investigation papers have been opened for love scam fraud this year, involving losses of RM1,834,794.95.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said up to Jan 31, a total of 69 operations had been conducted, leading to the arrest of 60 individuals.
Ramli said last month, the highest number of victims were aged between 51 to 60 years, followed by 41 to 50 years, 31 to 40 years and 21 to 30 years old.
He added that there were two victims in the age group of 15 to 20 years, making them the youngest demographic affected by love scams.
According to the records, he said, individuals aged 41 to 50 were the most common victims of love scams last year.
"Last year, 935 investigation papers were opened for love scam cases, involving losses of RM43,920,299.01.
"The police also conducted 757 operations in 2023 and successfully apprehended 774 individuals believed to be involved in these activities," he told the New Straits Times.
Ramli said the tactics used in love scam cases have remained largely unchanged over the years, with syndicates using social media platforms, such as Facebook, to find victims.
"They typically use profile pictures that display handsome men or beautiful women to attract the attention of victims.
"After establishing a relationship and becoming 'lovers', victims are deceived into believing various fabricated stories by the syndicate, such as wanting to meet and marry and sending parcels containing gifts and valuable items to the victims."
He said such fabricated stories are often followed by problems that required victims to transfer money to designated bank accounts.
He said the emotional manipulation used in these scams led victims to consistently follow all instructions given by the syndicates.
Ramli said technological advancements have also introduced new and highly dangerous scam tactics that have serious financial repercussions.
He said based on investigations, one of the characteristics of love scams were "lovers" being too hasty to offer gifts or valuable items in new relationships.
"Syndicates always avoid meetings, conducting all communication exclusively online without any face-to-face interactions. They also use bank accounts under someone else's name to receive money."
Ramli urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to the information and crime prevention advice provided by the police to reduce love scam-related cases.
He said the public was also encouraged to disseminate commercial crime-related information so it can reach every layer of society, ensuring a greater impact.
