Kulai: A retired private-sector employee has claimed losses of RM175,305 after being duped by an online gold sales syndicate on Sept 10. Kulai police chief ACP Tan Seng Lee shared that the 55-year-old woman encountered a Facebook advertisement promoting the sale of 916 gold and clicked on the provided link.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the woman was added to a Telegram group named 'Pajak Gadai Lelong Emas 916' and showed interest in purchasing a gold bracelet priced at RM75. She then communicated with an individual known as Nurul Aliya. Initially, the victim was asked to pay RM655 for the gold purchase and delivery fees. Subsequently, she was instructed to make 35 transactions to several different bank accounts.

The payments, totaling RM175,305, were made between Oct 6 and yesterday, allegedly to cover various fees including customs duties, Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) taxes, excise duties, and several other charges. The victim realized she was being scammed when further payments were requested, leading her to lodge a police report yesterday.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.