In recent years, there has been an unfortunate increase in online-based scams, especially love scams. In these scams, scammers pretend to be someone they’re not to manipulate their victims and make them fall in love with them to the point where they’d be willing to send them money.
Recently, it was reported that a Malaysian woman who had fallen victim to an online romance scam and accumulated substantial debt became agitated when the deception was revealed, even resorting to assaulting her husband.
According to Sin Chew, the incident came to light after Gao, a 47-year-old Chinese businessman from Kajang, Selangor, disclosed that earlier this year, he discovered his 45-year-old wife was involved in an online affair, prompting him to file for divorce in June.
At a press conference, Gao shared that his wife had exhibited signs of emotional instability for 15 years but had consistently refused to seek medical treatment.
Her situation had gotten worse after she fell for an online romance scam, incurring significant debt which worsened her emotional outbursts.
Gao explained that they had been married for 16 years and had four children aged between six and 15.
According to him, in January, he learned that his wife had connected with a man online who claimed to be from London. The scammer made extravagant promises, including a marriage proposal and a private jet gift for their travels together.
“The scammer also claimed to be planning a 50 billion ringgit investment in a Malaysian theme park, and my wife completely believed him. She gave away her insurance payout from a cervical cancer diagnosis six years ago and even took out high-interest loans, transferring over RM1 million to him,” Gao stated.
Earlier this month, loan sharks began appearing at their home, demanding repayment and even threatening to kidnap their children after Gao refused to pay.
“I don’t know exactly how much she owes, but her father recently paid off RM10,000 on her behalf. Now, more loan sharks are pursuing us, and she has even directed them to me for money.”
When he tried to make her realise that she had been scammed, she apparently refused to accept the truth and expressed her frustration through violent outbursts.
“She has also resorted to violence in the past when I refused to give her money. But I will not fund her delusions and continue enabling her to send money to these ‘online lovers.'”
Her emotional instability has intensified, leading her to smash a floor-to-ceiling window during one of her recent episodes.
Gao and his wife have been living separately for about six months and are in the process of obtaining a divorce. The four children continue to live with their mother while Gao has moved out.
We hope that she gets the help she desperately needs.
Also read: “Left with 0 sen” – M’sian Widower Gives ALL of His EPF Funds to New GF Who Then Went MIA
