KEPALA BATAS: A Malaysian female banker aged 51, who was too engrossed with her dating partner, “John Eric Chen” finally found herself being the victim of a love scam syndicate after she had transferred RM3.38 million to three accounts.
The banker was said to have been connected with her “lover” via a dating and social networking app called Coffee Meets Bagel.
Seberang Perai Utara district police chief, ACP Noorzainy Mohd. Noor, in a statement said, the victim started to know the man, believed from a love scam syndicate last August.
“They started to communicate and become close via Whatsapp with the suspect offering to collaborate with the victim in a Shell business which would see them reap US$25 million,” he said, adding: “He asked her to make a down payment of US$38,000,” as reported by Bernama.
According to the police, the victim had made 19 money transfers to three accounts totalling RM3.38 million (US$815,331) made up of her salary, savings and money borrowed from relatives.
Noorzainy said, the suspect had promised marriage but he became uncontactable after he received the money from her.
“Believing she had been conned in a love scam, the victim lodged a police report on June 4 and the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code,” police chief added.