KUCHING: Online romances that seem too perfect can carry hidden risks as scammers manipulate emotions to steal money from unsuspecting victims.
Love scams, which target individuals looking for romantic partners online, have become increasingly common in recent years. Scammers often use dating websites or social media to approach their victims.
Recently, Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) shared tips on detecting love scams on their Facebook page.
“Scammers impersonating as admirers often declare their love to unsuspecting victims within just a few days of contact and use unusual or mixed English.
“Their social media profiles may appear fake or recently created, and the photos they share are often “too perfect” or taken from the internet.
“Victims are also lured with strange excuses to lend money while the scammers avoid any in-person meetings,” police said.
Anyone who suspects they are being targeted is urged to contact their bank immediately to halt suspicious transactions, report the case to the National Scam Response Center (NSRC) at 997, and lodge a police report for further investigation.
In light of this, authorities reminded the public to stay alert and think twice before trusting online admirers, as behind seemingly perfect profiles and sweet words, danger can lurk.
