KUALA LUMPUR: Loneliness, the desire to find true love, and easily believing expressions of affection are some of the reasons why women frequently fall victim to online love scams.
Police statistics reveal that women are the most affected by love scams in Malaysia, accounting for 79.3 per cent of the 2,223 cases recorded from 2022 to August this year.
Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director, Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, said several factors make women vulnerable to love scams.
He said that women are often perceived as more open emotionally and in personal relationships, which syndicates exploit to generate empathy.
"Women seeking romantic relationships are more susceptible to loving words and gestures, particularly when they feel lonely or unfulfilled in their relationships," he said at a press conference at Menara KPJ today.
He added that women who are hoping to find true love are also more inclined to believe in intriguing stories, even when they may seem unrealistic.
Meanwhile, Ramli said that love scam syndicates do not target a specific age group.
"Anyone can become a victim. In 2022, the highest number of victims was in the 21 to 30 age group, with 211 individuals.
"In 2023, the most affected age group was 41 to 50 years, with 215 victims, while in 2024, up to August, the highest number of victims was again in the 21 to 30 age range, with 178 individuals," he said.
Regarding the number of cases and financial losses, Ramli said that in 2022, 792 cases were recorded, with a total loss of RM56.2 million, while in 2023, there were 935 cases, resulting in a loss of RM43.9 million.
"For the period this year until August, 496 cases were reported, involving losses totalling RM23.3 million. By the end of 2024, the number of cases is expected to match or exceed those of the previous year," he added.
Ramli said that the police are committed to raising public awareness to help prevent love scam crimes.
"Love scams require continued attention due to the significant financial impact they cause. For example, Selangor police recently reported that a 64-year-old woman was duped by a love scam syndicate, resulting in a loss of RM1.98 million.
"The complainant, a retiree, was contacted by a virtual friend who claimed to be sending a parcel containing cash. To release the parcel, she made 12 payments totalling RM1,981,574 to 12 different accounts," he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.