Penang: A factory programme manager lost more than RM2.33 million after falling victim to a 'love scam' involving a man claiming to be a Singaporean. Penang Acting Police Chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin revealed that the 53-year-old local woman, who works at a factory in Bayan Lepas, came into contact with the man in February last year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the victim was introduced to the man through her aunt, who met the suspect at a seminar in Kuala Lumpur. The aunt had intended to matchmake her with the man, known as Perry Chan, who was said to reside in Ottawa, Canada. Throughout their acquaintance, the victim communicated with the suspect solely via WhatsApp. In March 2024, the suspect claimed he was operating an electric grip installation business with the Oman government, and sought the victim's assistance.

The suspect requested the victim's help to transfer funds for purchasing raw materials for his project, citing unstable internet access in Oman. Mohd Alwi explained that the victim accessed the suspect's account and made transfers as instructed. However, she was later informed that the transfers failed due to cross-border complications. The suspect then persuaded the victim to make advance payments for bank service charges, assuring her of reimbursement.

From March 28, 2024, to August 18, 2024, the victim made 58 transactions into nine different local bank accounts, totaling RM1.936 million. In September 2024, the suspect claimed to have deposited a cheque worth US$404,500 into a Heritage Asset Bank Oman account to repay her. She was contacted by a 'bank's customer service officer' in Malaysia, who informed her of additional payments required to cash the cheque.

From September 25, 2024, to July 4 this year, the victim conducted another 13 transactions into five different local bank accounts, amounting to RM399,407, purportedly to facilitate cashing the cheque. Mohd Alwi stated that further investigations are underway.