LAB ASSISTANT LOSES MONEY TO FB FRIEND

39-year-old sweet-talked into parting with RM131,630

AFTER being taken in by persuasion and gift offers from a new Facebook contact, a laboratory assistant became RM131,630 poorer.

The 39-year-old woman failed to receive the gifts from the social media acquaintance after depositing money into several bank accounts.

She lodged a report at the Maran police headquarters yesterday.

Pahang Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief Superintendent Mohd Wazir Mohd Yusof said the scam started in January when the victim linked up with a man under the Facebook handle of Mohammed Luqman.

The suspect claimed he was from the Middle East and was residing in the United Kingdom.

“The suspect claimed that he was involved in a textile business in the UK. He said he wanted to give the victim jewellery, rings, shoes, watches, mobile phones, laptops, handbags and other items.

“He told the victim he had sent the items through Ampthill Courier.

“In February, the victim was persuaded to make a payment of RM1,450 to Ampthill Courier for freight charges,” he said here yesterday.

Wazir said the victim paid the charges by depositing the money into a bank account given by the suspect.

“Until last month, the victim made several transactions, totalling RM131,630, via a cash deposit machine into seven different accounts given by the suspect to pay for the items’ delivery charges.”

He said the victim was also persuaded to pay RM6,000 for the reservation of a security van and other charges. However, she refused.

“We have taken the victim’s statement and obtained the name of the owner of the seven bank accounts.

“This case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, which provides for a maximum jail term of 10 years, whipping and a fine upon conviction.”