Selangor police have successfully uncovered and dismantled a ‘love scam’ syndicate following a raid conducted on November 5, resulting in the arrest of 13 foreign nationals involved in an online fraud operation.
According to Selangor police chief Datuk Shazeli Kahar, the suspects comprising 11 men and two women were apprehended at a house in Kajang, Selangor which had been converted into a call center targeting victims in Japan.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate had been operating for nearly three months, using social media platforms such as Instagram and Line to deceive victims.
The scammers allegedly created fake online profiles, complete with convincing photos and frequent posts, to appear genuine and trustworthy.
“Once they gained the trust of their targets, they moved the conversation to private messaging platforms and began requesting personal details such as phone numbers and social media accounts,” Datuk Shazeli said at a press conference today.
Police also traced the syndicate’s financial transactions, discovering that its members used encrypted messaging apps like Telegram and Signal to coordinate and manage their fraudulent operations.
During the raid, authorities seized 11 mobile phones and several laptops, believed to have been used in the scam. All 13 suspects have had their remand orders extended for an additional three days, from November 8 to 11, to assist with ongoing investigations.
The case is being investigated under Sections 420 and 120B of the Penal Code, for cheating and criminal conspiracy.
HackWarn Alert: How to Spot and Avoid Love Scams
1. What is a love scam?
A love scam (or romance scam) happens when fraudsters build a fake romantic relationship online to gain a victim’s trust, then manipulate them into sending money, gifts or personal information.
Scammers often use stolen photos and fake identities to appear attractive, successful or caring.
They may claim to be working overseas, serving in the military, or dealing with personal emergencies that require urgent financial help.
2. How do scammers operate?
- They approach victims through social media or dating apps such as Facebook, Instagram, LINE or Tinder.
- They invest time building an emotional connection and gain the victim’s trust.
- Once trust is established, they fabricate stories — such as business problems, medical issues, or travel difficulties to ask for money.
- Many scammers are part of organized call center syndicates, using encrypted apps like Telegram or Signal to coordinate operations.
3. Warning signs of a love scam:
- The person professes love or affection too quickly.
- They avoid video calls or in-person meetings.
- They ask for money or gifts after gaining your trust.
- Their online profiles look too perfect or have stolen photos.
- They often claim to be working abroad and cannot meet.
4. How to protect yourself
- Never send money or personal information to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Verify their identity do a reverse image search of their profile photos.
- Be cautious of emotional manipulation and fast-moving relationships.
- Report suspicious profiles to the platform or to cybercrime authorities.
- Educate friends and family, especially older adults, about online love scams.
5. Real impact:
According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), global financial losses from scams reached an estimated US$1.03 trillion in 2024.
While love scams or romance scams ranked as the sixth most common scam type, the true number of cases is believed to be significantly higher.
Experts suggest that as many as 70% of incidents go unreported, as victims often feel embarrassed or emotionally distressed, making them reluctant to come forward.
💡 HackWarn Tip:
Always remember true love doesn’t ask for money online. When in doubt, pause, verify and protect yourself before becoming a victim.
Source: BERNAMA
