Online relationships can sometimes become a way for criminals to gain someone's trust and take their money. In Malaysia, a 50-year-old female farmer and agricultural products trader has reportedly lost more than RM1.15 million after becoming involved in a suspected love scam linked to a fake gold investment.
According to a report by the New Straits Times, the woman transferred money to several bank accounts after an individual she met online offered her an investment opportunity with promised returns. Police said the total loss reached RM1,150,034.70, including her savings and money borrowed from family members.
Police said the woman first connected with a person using the name Siew Gui Lim, also known as Jason, through WhatsApp on July 17, 2026. As their online relationship grew closer, the person reportedly claimed to be a director of a cybersecurity consulting business.
The individual then offered her a gold investment and promised profits. Believing the offer was genuine, the woman began making payments connected to the investment.
After she had sent money, the suspect introduced another platform called Veniec Lottery. It was presented as a way to recover her earlier investment and earn additional returns. Instead, she was persuaded to make more deposits to receive supposed profits and bonuses.
Police said the woman sent money to seven bank accounts, with the total reaching RM1,150,034.70. The payments came from her personal savings and loans taken from family members.
The fraud came to light when she tried to withdraw her money but could not access it. She then realized that the investment and promised returns were not genuine.
Pahang acting police chief Datuk Azry Akmar Ayob said the case was being investigated under Section 420 of Malaysia's Penal Code, which deals with cheating.
Police also warned the public to be careful when someone they meet online uses friendship or a romantic connection to encourage them to invest or transfer money. People should check investment offers and verify bank accounts and phone numbers through Malaysia's Semak Mule platform before sending funds.
Authorities have also advised anyone who suspects they have been scammed to file a police report. Victims should contact their bank as soon as possible to report the transactions.
The case highlights how romance-based scams can lead to serious financial losses when trust is used to promote fake investment opportunities. Experts and authorities regularly advise people to verify investment claims independently and avoid sending money to online contacts whose identity and business cannot be confirmed.