The dark truth about a sweet-talking Casanova
By ONG HAN SEAN
hansean@thestar.com.my
Tuesday July 13, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: He is neither good looking nor young, but this sweet-talking Casanova has managed to cheat at least seven women of nearly RM400,000.
The 41-year-old Singaporean, known as Dennis Lim, has a habit of preying on women through the social networking website, ahmoi.com.
That’s him!: Chong and Qi Qi checking out a picture of Lim at the department chief’s office in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
One of his victims, Qi Qi, lost RM294,662 within the seven months of their “friendship.”
“I was not really attracted to him. He was really aggressive and he made the first move online,” said the 34-year-old businesswoman from Penang, who sought the help of MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong at his office yesterday.
She said Lim claimed to be a factory manager and knew how to take advantage of her weakness.
“He used sob stories to get my sympathy.
“For instance, he claimed his stepmother was admitted into ICU; that his ex-boss had delayed his business reimbursements and that he had met with a road accident before Chinese New Year.
“I felt sorry for him and wanted to help,” she said, adding that she allowed Lim to use her credit cards when he visited her in Penang in October last year.
Qi Qi started getting suspicious in March and lodged two police reports in Penang and another two in Singapore.
She later traced Lim’s caller history from a sub-line she started for him, and found six other women in Malaysia whom Lim had cheated for money and sex.
“His modus operandi is to get acquainted with lonely, single women online and then slowly work his way into their pockets with his sob stories,” Qi Qi said, adding that the victims had refused to make police reports against Lim.
Chong urged the other victims to come forward so that he could assist them.
“I will take this case to the Malaysian Interpol and relevant authorities,” he said.
He also reminded women to be wary of meeting strangers online.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Beware the online con
Beware the online con
By SEREAN LAU and CHRISTINA TAN
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
Monday July 12, 2010
PETALING JAYA: It is important for women to check the background of a person they meet over Internet social networking websites to avoid being cheated.
“You need to check the background of the person to know whether the person is genuine or just a sweet talker. Whatever is posted by the man should be vetted thoroughly like calling up a company to see if he really works there,” said Wanita MCA Cupid Space project executor Peggy Lim (pic).
She also cautioned women not to rush into making a commitment.
“You need at least eight months to know a person. There is no need to rush into things,” she added.
“Feelings are a huge emotional trigger and for a woman, it is important to control these feelings when the courtship has only been going on for a short while.”
She said that among the reasons that women were scammed by online Casanovas was due to loneliness and desperation as they were afraid they would not be able to find a companion and accepted “any man who fancies them”
“The essential tools to sustain a relationship are patience and to earn the trust needed,” she said.
In June, a 47-year-old housewife said that she lost her savings and money she borrowed from her family and friends totalling RM1.2mil to a con man that she befriended on the Internet.
The man had claimed to be a Briton.
Meanwhile, MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong said he received complaints from 18 women on cheating scams with losses amounting to more than RM2.4mil since 2007.
He urged women to be wary of such con men.
Chong said the complaints that he received had a similar modus operandi – the men would get to know the women via Internet and send them expensive gifts before demanding for money.
Chong added that most of the victims were single mothers, divorcees and unmarried women.
“The con men also introduced themselves as businessmen, sons of senior politicians and professionals like engineers,” he said.
Chong said he believed the men involved in the scam were foreigners although some may have had the help of locals.
By SEREAN LAU and CHRISTINA TAN
newsdesk@thestar.com.my
Monday July 12, 2010
PETALING JAYA: It is important for women to check the background of a person they meet over Internet social networking websites to avoid being cheated.
“You need to check the background of the person to know whether the person is genuine or just a sweet talker. Whatever is posted by the man should be vetted thoroughly like calling up a company to see if he really works there,” said Wanita MCA Cupid Space project executor Peggy Lim (pic).
She also cautioned women not to rush into making a commitment.
“You need at least eight months to know a person. There is no need to rush into things,” she added.
“Feelings are a huge emotional trigger and for a woman, it is important to control these feelings when the courtship has only been going on for a short while.”
She said that among the reasons that women were scammed by online Casanovas was due to loneliness and desperation as they were afraid they would not be able to find a companion and accepted “any man who fancies them”
“The essential tools to sustain a relationship are patience and to earn the trust needed,” she said.
In June, a 47-year-old housewife said that she lost her savings and money she borrowed from her family and friends totalling RM1.2mil to a con man that she befriended on the Internet.
The man had claimed to be a Briton.
Meanwhile, MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong said he received complaints from 18 women on cheating scams with losses amounting to more than RM2.4mil since 2007.
He urged women to be wary of such con men.
Chong said the complaints that he received had a similar modus operandi – the men would get to know the women via Internet and send them expensive gifts before demanding for money.
Chong added that most of the victims were single mothers, divorcees and unmarried women.
“The con men also introduced themselves as businessmen, sons of senior politicians and professionals like engineers,” he said.
Chong said he believed the men involved in the scam were foreigners although some may have had the help of locals.
Friday, July 9, 2010
国外刷假卡名牌半价卖 破不法集团捕11人
国外刷假卡名牌半价卖
破不法集团捕11人
更新: July 9, 2010 18:19
（莎阿南9日讯）警方侦破一个假卡集团，逮捕11名以假信用卡到外国刷卡购名牌带回国，再以半价出售牟利的华裔男女。
假卡集团成员是在国内制造几可乱真的信用卡，写上本身姓名，但都是盗用外国人士资料，轻易瞒天过海。他们在持有这些假卡后，都是到外国购买名牌货品，带回大马以不到一半原价贱卖，做无本生意。
警方是在3项行动中先后逮捕11名男女，包括一名疑是集团首脑，并起获84张多数外资银行的假信用卡，宣布侦破不法集团的活动。
不过，警方相信还在幕后操纵的党羽正在潜逃，刻在全力追查他们下落。
雪州商业罪案调查组主任张婉萍助理总监今日说，警方于上月19日在吉隆坡国际机场出境处，逮捕一名华裔男子，男子当时准备搭机到土耳其伊斯坦布尔，警方从他身上起获13张伪造信用卡。
盗用外籍人士资料
警方较后趁胜追击，4天后再率队突击莎阿南31区一间公寓单位，逮捕5名华裔男子，其中一名嫌犯相信是假卡集团的首脑。
“初步调查，该公寓是假卡集团租借的单位，警方在屋内仅起获5张假卡，未有其他发现，如制作假卡原料或机械等物品。”
张婉萍在总部召开记者会，公布破案详情。
她指出，警方昨早6时再展开另一轮逮捕行动，到吉隆坡国际机场埋伏，成功伏击到5名刚从伊斯坦布尔疯狂盗刷后，带着大批国际知名物品返国的华裔男女，包括一对夫妇。
她说，警方当场从5名嫌犯身上起获66张假卡，初步调查，这些假卡都是在本地制造，写上嫌犯的名字，不过都是盗用外籍人士的资料。
66 假卡豪刷10万名牌货
5名被捕男女，带着66张假卡到土耳其盗刷10万令吉，选购物品都是国际知名品牌的手表、衣裤、鞋子和包包，尽显豪气！
初步调查，假卡集团成员活跃3个月，每次到外国大肆盗刷后，带着大批名牌物品返回大马，以超低价格出售，从中牟利。
据悉，被嫌犯贱卖的品牌货物包括劳力士手表，原本一枚价值1万令吉的手表，当他们成功带出境后，仅以不到5000令吉价格出售。
警方查悉，被捕的11名嫌犯，数人拥有犯罪前科，已被延扣，目前是在刑事法典420欺骗条文下受调查。
破不法集团捕11人
更新: July 9, 2010 18:19
（莎阿南9日讯）警方侦破一个假卡集团，逮捕11名以假信用卡到外国刷卡购名牌带回国，再以半价出售牟利的华裔男女。
假卡集团成员是在国内制造几可乱真的信用卡，写上本身姓名，但都是盗用外国人士资料，轻易瞒天过海。他们在持有这些假卡后，都是到外国购买名牌货品，带回大马以不到一半原价贱卖，做无本生意。
警方是在3项行动中先后逮捕11名男女，包括一名疑是集团首脑，并起获84张多数外资银行的假信用卡，宣布侦破不法集团的活动。
不过，警方相信还在幕后操纵的党羽正在潜逃，刻在全力追查他们下落。
雪州商业罪案调查组主任张婉萍助理总监今日说，警方于上月19日在吉隆坡国际机场出境处，逮捕一名华裔男子，男子当时准备搭机到土耳其伊斯坦布尔，警方从他身上起获13张伪造信用卡。
盗用外籍人士资料
警方较后趁胜追击，4天后再率队突击莎阿南31区一间公寓单位，逮捕5名华裔男子，其中一名嫌犯相信是假卡集团的首脑。
“初步调查，该公寓是假卡集团租借的单位，警方在屋内仅起获5张假卡，未有其他发现，如制作假卡原料或机械等物品。”
张婉萍在总部召开记者会，公布破案详情。
她指出，警方昨早6时再展开另一轮逮捕行动，到吉隆坡国际机场埋伏，成功伏击到5名刚从伊斯坦布尔疯狂盗刷后，带着大批国际知名物品返国的华裔男女，包括一对夫妇。
她说，警方当场从5名嫌犯身上起获66张假卡，初步调查，这些假卡都是在本地制造，写上嫌犯的名字，不过都是盗用外籍人士的资料。
66 假卡豪刷10万名牌货
5名被捕男女，带着66张假卡到土耳其盗刷10万令吉，选购物品都是国际知名品牌的手表、衣裤、鞋子和包包，尽显豪气！
初步调查，假卡集团成员活跃3个月，每次到外国大肆盗刷后，带着大批名牌物品返回大马，以超低价格出售，从中牟利。
据悉，被嫌犯贱卖的品牌货物包括劳力士手表，原本一枚价值1万令吉的手表，当他们成功带出境后，仅以不到5000令吉价格出售。
警方查悉，被捕的11名嫌犯，数人拥有犯罪前科，已被延扣，目前是在刑事法典420欺骗条文下受调查。
面试前先收表格费 高薪招聘逾10人上当
面试前先收表格费
高薪招聘逾10人上当
更新: July 9, 2010 18:19
报导：陈以珠
（新山9日讯）新加坡船厂招聘骗局！负责人借“填表格”为由，收取100新元（马币约240令吉）后，突告失踪，逾十名青年苦等不到面试，惊觉受骗。
疑诈骗集团刊登“新加坡某大型船厂聘请技术员”的广告内容，指称薪金可达3500至5000新元（约8400令吉至1万2000令吉）、包吃包住，还有公司津贴及优厚福利等为饵，诱使入世未深的年轻应征者上当。
有一批青年因被高薪所吸引，不约而同缴付一笔100新元的申请费后，发现有关负责人竟闹失踪。
其中一名青年郑氏（20岁，铁厂员工）向《中国报》阐述，他于6月25日（周五）看到报章的分类广告，深受吸引，立即致电联络有关负责人。
据悉，有关负责人“Ivy”自称在新加坡事务繁忙，无法亲自过来处理及收取“表格费”，故让友人代劳。
“对方要求我在26日到士姑来五福城一家广场的快餐店见面，同时需缴交100新元的'表格费'，才能作出申请，可是，当天来的却是一名自称是'Ivy '朋友的年轻男子。”
担心身分被盗用
郑氏不疑有他，付费填写表格后，再被安排于7月5日在士姑来某油站集合，以便前往新加坡应征，讵料当天苦等3小时，不见有人现身接载。
“当时，我等了很久，之后发现还有约6位年龄介于20至30岁左右的青年也在油站待了很久，于是趋前与他们打招呼，才恍然大悟，大家都中同一名老千的计。”
郑氏除了揭发诈骗集团的行径，也担心所呈交的证据如身分证影印本、护照影印本及其他文凭会遭盗用。
表格只印船厂名字
“Ivy”未曾现身
“Ivy”由始至终未现身，身分令人起疑。
一名受骗者陈朋丰（21岁，自动化工业员工）受访时透露，在填写表格时，他已心起怀疑，因表格上只是印有公司名字，没附上地址和联络电话，与一般的求职表格不同。
他说，当时，马上致电“Ivy”，询问为何没有公司的详情，岂料对方“专业”解答他的疑惑，甚至指可查询另一家在吉隆坡运作的分行，指该船厂是属“大公司”。
“当时我也没想太多，相信了对方的话。”
另外，本报多次尝试联络有关船厂负责人，不过接通的电话一再被挂断，无法求证详情。
高薪招聘逾10人上当
更新: July 9, 2010 18:19
报导：陈以珠
（新山9日讯）新加坡船厂招聘骗局！负责人借“填表格”为由，收取100新元（马币约240令吉）后，突告失踪，逾十名青年苦等不到面试，惊觉受骗。
疑诈骗集团刊登“新加坡某大型船厂聘请技术员”的广告内容，指称薪金可达3500至5000新元（约8400令吉至1万2000令吉）、包吃包住，还有公司津贴及优厚福利等为饵，诱使入世未深的年轻应征者上当。
有一批青年因被高薪所吸引，不约而同缴付一笔100新元的申请费后，发现有关负责人竟闹失踪。
其中一名青年郑氏（20岁，铁厂员工）向《中国报》阐述，他于6月25日（周五）看到报章的分类广告，深受吸引，立即致电联络有关负责人。
据悉，有关负责人“Ivy”自称在新加坡事务繁忙，无法亲自过来处理及收取“表格费”，故让友人代劳。
“对方要求我在26日到士姑来五福城一家广场的快餐店见面，同时需缴交100新元的'表格费'，才能作出申请，可是，当天来的却是一名自称是'Ivy '朋友的年轻男子。”
担心身分被盗用
郑氏不疑有他，付费填写表格后，再被安排于7月5日在士姑来某油站集合，以便前往新加坡应征，讵料当天苦等3小时，不见有人现身接载。
“当时，我等了很久，之后发现还有约6位年龄介于20至30岁左右的青年也在油站待了很久，于是趋前与他们打招呼，才恍然大悟，大家都中同一名老千的计。”
郑氏除了揭发诈骗集团的行径，也担心所呈交的证据如身分证影印本、护照影印本及其他文凭会遭盗用。
表格只印船厂名字
“Ivy”未曾现身
“Ivy”由始至终未现身，身分令人起疑。
一名受骗者陈朋丰（21岁，自动化工业员工）受访时透露，在填写表格时，他已心起怀疑，因表格上只是印有公司名字，没附上地址和联络电话，与一般的求职表格不同。
他说，当时，马上致电“Ivy”，询问为何没有公司的详情，岂料对方“专业”解答他的疑惑，甚至指可查询另一家在吉隆坡运作的分行，指该船厂是属“大公司”。
“当时我也没想太多，相信了对方的话。”
另外，本报多次尝试联络有关船厂负责人，不过接通的电话一再被挂断，无法求证详情。
已婚网友一脚踏三船 女经纪被骗82万
已婚网友一脚踏三船
女经纪被骗82万
更新: July 9, 2010 18:19
（新加坡9日讯）狮城已婚男被指在大马一脚踏三船，女经纪以为遇到如意郎君，被骗走12万元（28万令吉）。
34岁的女保险经纪从槟城拨《晚报》热线投诉，她在社交网站认识41岁的狮城经理，对方还飞到槟城找她。
两人相处一个星期成为情侣，她借信用卡给他添油后没索回，又帮他登记手机号码。谁知男友离开槟城后，在新加坡和吉隆坡等地拼命刷卡消费，前后刷掉30万令吉。
女经纪说，男友过后以继母生病、叔叔过世等理由，声称手头紧无法还她钱，甜言蜜语哄骗她。
可是，每月超过1000令吉的手机费和频频出现的陌生号码令她生疑。经追查后，发现男友在吉隆坡有两个女友。
“我还查到他在新加坡已经结婚了！我才知道被骗了，还背了30万令吉的卡债！”
身家被掏空、感情又被欺骗的的女经纪，毅然在新马两地报警。
外表谦卑其实烂赌
女经纪说，她根据手机账单上的号码，联络上男友在吉隆坡的两名女友，才知道男子很好赌，常常上云顶赌场。
“她们说，他一次可以输掉1万多令吉！”
她说从不知男友好赌，虽然男友长得不好看，但表现得很谦卑、有耐性，因此在短短一个星期就被他打动。
“他还说要在年底跟我结婚，看到我在槟城的租屋很乱，还说要买漂亮房子给我，事实上，他已经有老婆了。”
另2女友人财两失
女经纪说，另两名受害者也是通过网站认识狮城经理。
“她们比我早认识他，不但被他骗钱，还被骗上床，我庆幸没那么惨。”
女经纪，两名女郎投诉被骗走10万令吉。
女经纪被骗82万
更新: July 9, 2010 18:19
（新加坡9日讯）狮城已婚男被指在大马一脚踏三船，女经纪以为遇到如意郎君，被骗走12万元（28万令吉）。
34岁的女保险经纪从槟城拨《晚报》热线投诉，她在社交网站认识41岁的狮城经理，对方还飞到槟城找她。
两人相处一个星期成为情侣，她借信用卡给他添油后没索回，又帮他登记手机号码。谁知男友离开槟城后，在新加坡和吉隆坡等地拼命刷卡消费，前后刷掉30万令吉。
女经纪说，男友过后以继母生病、叔叔过世等理由，声称手头紧无法还她钱，甜言蜜语哄骗她。
可是，每月超过1000令吉的手机费和频频出现的陌生号码令她生疑。经追查后，发现男友在吉隆坡有两个女友。
“我还查到他在新加坡已经结婚了！我才知道被骗了，还背了30万令吉的卡债！”
身家被掏空、感情又被欺骗的的女经纪，毅然在新马两地报警。
外表谦卑其实烂赌
女经纪说，她根据手机账单上的号码，联络上男友在吉隆坡的两名女友，才知道男子很好赌，常常上云顶赌场。
“她们说，他一次可以输掉1万多令吉！”
她说从不知男友好赌，虽然男友长得不好看，但表现得很谦卑、有耐性，因此在短短一个星期就被他打动。
“他还说要在年底跟我结婚，看到我在槟城的租屋很乱，还说要买漂亮房子给我，事实上，他已经有老婆了。”
另2女友人财两失
女经纪说，另两名受害者也是通过网站认识狮城经理。
“她们比我早认识他，不但被他骗钱，还被骗上床，我庆幸没那么惨。”
女经纪，两名女郎投诉被骗走10万令吉。
Couple who tricked banks with fraudulent withdrawals arrested
Friday July 9, 2010
Couple who tricked banks with fraudulent withdrawals arrested
By M. KUMAR
kumar@thestar.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: A young couple has been arrested for “tricking” banks. They would deposit fake money into a cash deposit machine (CDM) and withdraw real cash from an auto-teller machine (ATM).
Within a month, they had withdrawn up to RM23,000.
However, bank officials got wise to their game.
Police laid a trap for the couple after bank officials detected the trick at three of their branches in Johor Bahru.
The man and his wife were caught red-handed.
Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department deputy operations director Asst Comm Rohaimi Md Isa told a press conference yesterday the couple committed the crime almost daily and, at times, would withdraw up to RM1,000 a day.
In another case, police arrested 21 people — most of them Africans — for running “parcel scams.”
The police also seized 13 laptops, 16 mobile phones, several bundles of counterfeit US$100 bills, and RM42,979 in cash.
The scam involves a syndicate member approaching a prospective victim to say there is a parcel from overseas to be delivered to him or her.
The victim would then receive a call from another syndicate member, impersonating as a customs officer, who would ask for some cash to be sent to a bank before the item can be cleared by the Customs.
The syndicates’ victims were largely single women in their 40’s, who they befriended via the Internet.
ACP Rohaimi said that this was not a new scam as there were 591 cases — with reported losses of RM16mil — last year.
“This year, there have so far been 253 cases with RM4.7mil in losses,” he said.
ACP Rohaimi said a Malaysian woman was among those arrested. They are all in their 20s and 30s.
They were picked following a series of raids in the Klang Valley over the past two weeks.
“This syndicate is responsible for 83 parcel scams, with losses of up to RM500,000.”
ACP Rohaimi said some members of these syndicates were also involved in “black money” scams.
Couple who tricked banks with fraudulent withdrawals arrested
By M. KUMAR
kumar@thestar.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: A young couple has been arrested for “tricking” banks. They would deposit fake money into a cash deposit machine (CDM) and withdraw real cash from an auto-teller machine (ATM).
Within a month, they had withdrawn up to RM23,000.
However, bank officials got wise to their game.
Police laid a trap for the couple after bank officials detected the trick at three of their branches in Johor Bahru.
The man and his wife were caught red-handed.
Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department deputy operations director Asst Comm Rohaimi Md Isa told a press conference yesterday the couple committed the crime almost daily and, at times, would withdraw up to RM1,000 a day.
In another case, police arrested 21 people — most of them Africans — for running “parcel scams.”
The police also seized 13 laptops, 16 mobile phones, several bundles of counterfeit US$100 bills, and RM42,979 in cash.
The scam involves a syndicate member approaching a prospective victim to say there is a parcel from overseas to be delivered to him or her.
The victim would then receive a call from another syndicate member, impersonating as a customs officer, who would ask for some cash to be sent to a bank before the item can be cleared by the Customs.
The syndicates’ victims were largely single women in their 40’s, who they befriended via the Internet.
ACP Rohaimi said that this was not a new scam as there were 591 cases — with reported losses of RM16mil — last year.
“This year, there have so far been 253 cases with RM4.7mil in losses,” he said.
ACP Rohaimi said a Malaysian woman was among those arrested. They are all in their 20s and 30s.
They were picked following a series of raids in the Klang Valley over the past two weeks.
“This syndicate is responsible for 83 parcel scams, with losses of up to RM500,000.”
ACP Rohaimi said some members of these syndicates were also involved in “black money” scams.
Malaysian victims in online scam
tuesday June 29, 2010
Malaysian victims in online scam
OTHER NEWS & VIEWS
Compiled by TAN SIN CHOW, LEE YEN MUN AND A. RAMAN
HONG KONG police busted an international online scam syndicate which has conned at least 160 people, including Malaysians, of some RM8.7mil, reported Nanyang Siang Pau.
Authorities nabbed 13 men, aged between 20 and 60 years, who were also involved in money laundering activities.
The syndicate, which has been operating for a year, is based in Hong Kong with several members still at large in China, Taiwan and South-East Asian countries.
Sin Chew Daily reported that police also seized 17 bank account books, 38 ATM cards, and HK$107,000 (RM45,000) during the two-day operation.
Investigations showed that the syndicate would first notify the victims in an e-mail that they had won a huge sum of money.
However, they would first have to deposit 1% of the winning prize money as processing fee in order to collect the sum, with one victim having paid up to RM1.25mil.
Malaysian victims in online scam
OTHER NEWS & VIEWS
Compiled by TAN SIN CHOW, LEE YEN MUN AND A. RAMAN
HONG KONG police busted an international online scam syndicate which has conned at least 160 people, including Malaysians, of some RM8.7mil, reported Nanyang Siang Pau.
Authorities nabbed 13 men, aged between 20 and 60 years, who were also involved in money laundering activities.
The syndicate, which has been operating for a year, is based in Hong Kong with several members still at large in China, Taiwan and South-East Asian countries.
Sin Chew Daily reported that police also seized 17 bank account books, 38 ATM cards, and HK$107,000 (RM45,000) during the two-day operation.
Investigations showed that the syndicate would first notify the victims in an e-mail that they had won a huge sum of money.
However, they would first have to deposit 1% of the winning prize money as processing fee in order to collect the sum, with one victim having paid up to RM1.25mil.
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