In a cautionary tale of online deception, a 57-year-old Malaysian man, identified only by his surname Chen, fell victim to a scam that cost him his life savings. The incident, which highlights the dangers of online interactions, began in February 2025 when Chen encountered an advertisement from a purported “wealthy married woman from Hong Kong” seeking sperm to conceive a child.
The Scam Unfolds
According to reports from China Press, the scam started when Chen was approached by the woman, who claimed she was willing to pay HK$2 million (approximately S$328,164) for sperm. The woman, who never met Chen in person or spoke to him directly, engaged him through WhatsApp, where she presented herself as a 36-year-old beauty salon owner with various interests, including nature and travel.
Flattered by her attention and compliments, Chen became increasingly invested in the conversation. The woman informed him that her husband was infertile and expressed a desire to conceive “naturally.” Chen, intrigued by the arrangement, agreed to participate, believing it would be a confidential and mutually beneficial agreement.
Financial Transactions
As the conversations progressed, the woman sent a man claiming to be her lawyer to negotiate the terms of the arrangement. This “lawyer” demanded various fees, including a handling fee of RM41,000 (S$12,423) for registration and travel expenses. Despite his bank freezing his account due to suspicious transactions, Chen continued to transfer money, ultimately sending a total of RM161,000 (S$48,784) to three different bank accounts provided by the scammer.
The situation escalated when the “lawyer” requested an additional RM79,000 (S$23,937) for an “international bank transfer handling fee.” It was at this point that Chen began to suspect he had been scammed, leading him to file a police report.
Public Awareness and Response
In an effort to raise awareness and prevent others from falling victim to similar scams, Chen held a press conference on June 5, 2025, where he shared his experience. He expressed regret over his decisions and lamented the lack of communication from the woman, who rarely responded to his messages and consistently avoided video calls.
Legal experts have suggested that the photos used by the scammer were likely stolen from the internet, further emphasizing the need for caution when engaging with individuals online. A representative from the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) urged the public to treat Chen with compassion, acknowledging that he had made a “momentary lapse in judgment.”
Conclusion
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online interactions, particularly in the context of personal relationships and financial transactions. As scammers become increasingly sophisticated, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. Chen’s story highlights the importance of verifying identities and exercising caution in all online dealings to protect oneself from potential fraud.Bookmark messageCopy messageExport