VICTIMS of the Macau scam have lost RM107 million so far in the past year, an increase from RM44 million in 2017. The number of police reports, too, have increased.

Many became victims as they were greedy, Commercial Crime Investigation Department deputy director (cyber and multimedia) Ahmad Noordin Ismail told The Malaysian Insight.

Ahmad said many victims did not think twice as they were “blinded” by the amount of prize money offered by the scammers.

“Malaysians are easily duped. They do not think twice when they hear about the large prize money. They just see the ringgit and they don’t care if it is in the form of SMS or email.

“Once they hear the amount, they think it is true,” he said.

He attributed this to the victims’ wish to earn money the easy way.

“Many are greedy and want to make money the easy way. They just don’t care, as long as they hear big money, even if they are educated.

“That is why the numbers keep on increasing. Greedy and want to make money the easy way. So, they got conned into believing that they will get the money.”

According to Bukit Aman statistics, this year alone, 1,847 police reports were lodged and the amount comes to RM107.16 million. Last year, 1,414 reports were lodged and the figure stood at RM44.87 million.

The number of cases has been increasing drastically since 2016. Two years ago, 396 cases were reported and the financial losses amounted to RM18.26 million.

Noordin said the scammers were sophisticated and could trick victims into believing that what was on offer was legitimate.

“They sound legitimate. They will make you believe that they are not trying to cheat you.

“The way they explain their so-called ‘contest’ sounds convincing and many will fall for this.

“You won’t realise that you have been cheated until it is too late.”

Commenting on the love scam, Noordin said the syndicate would prey on lonely women by making them feel special.

They would sweet talk the victims, promising to send them gifts from abroad and travel tickets to meet the women.

“They are very good at sweet talking. They will make you feel so special. They will use ‘I miss you’ then ‘I love you’ before making other promises.

“The victims are lonely women. Women who had no love life or lover. Some cases involve men but not too many of them.

“When the victims are into the person, the scammers will then start duping them into sending money. They will give all sorts of excuses just to make you send them the money,” he added.

Noordin said many Malaysians are still ignorant about the scams, reiterating that greed plays a big part in the problem.

“Awareness is still low. People just don’t care and like I said the greed factor and wanting to make easy money.” – November 20, 2018.