NST Leader: Stop love scammers — they are wanted for murder

The tragic deaths of four family members in a Desa Parkcity condominium should prompt a reevaluation of love scams as more than just a form of online fraud. To address this issue, one must consider why individuals continue to fall for these increasingly sophisticated scams despite years of public awareness. Romance scammers prey on something more powerful than mere greed: loneliness, trust, affection, and the innate human desire for companionship.

Once emotional dependence is established, victims can become remarkably resistant to warnings from family and friends, as strong family and social ties can make people feel less isolated and inclined to seek advice from their community when confronted with strangers. This phenomenon also calls for a shift in societal attitudes towards victims.

Regrettably, those who lose money to love scams are often portrayed as gullible or foolish, a stigma that can drive victims further into isolation, dissuade them from reporting the crime, and enable scammers to continue their manipulations. Consequently, only a small fraction of victims report these crimes to the authorities. In 2024, 770 cases were reported, primarily by women, resulting in losses of RM45.9 million.

Similarly, in 2023, 935 victims, again predominantly women, filed reports. The police disclosed to Bernama in January 2025, following Harian Metro's initial report, that WhatsApp and Facebook are the most frequently utilized social media platforms for these scams. It is imperative for society to cease blaming the victims and instead support both victims and authorities in combating romance scammers, who are ultimately responsible for their actions.

Experts suggest that fostering a better work-life balance can contribute to this effort. Psychologists emphasize that humans are inherently social creatures and that maintaining connections with family and friends is crucial; by staying connected, individuals can offer support, openly discuss struggles, and take action when assistance is required.

Genuine human connections can serve as a powerful safeguard against emotional exploitation by scammers. Additionally, there is a broader question of responsibility. Various entities, including banks, social media platforms, telecommunication companies, law enforcement agencies, and families, all play a role in identifying suspicious transactions and behaviors before losses escalate into catastrophic consequences.

However, prevention should not solely rely on technological measures; enhancing awareness of the psychological tactics employed by scammers is equally vital. The Desa ParkCity case serves as a stark reminder that the true cost of a scam transcends numerical values; behind each figure lie relationships, livelihoods, families, and lives that may be irrevocably damaged.