Two New Zealanders caught up in separate online scams have each sent $75,000 to a con artist in Malaysia.
Police have issued a warning about getting involved in romances or investment deals online after the two unrelated people fell victim to pricey hoaxes.
One of the victims thought she was in a relationship with a Kiwi man who was temporarily living in Malaysia, police say.
He told her he had been robbed and needed money for hospital treatment and bills, before he could come back to New Zealand.
The other person believed the money would be returned to them with interest after the con artist acquired a contract in Malaysia.
Both victims deposited payments totalling $75,000 into the same account. Some payments were made through local banks and others through Western Union.
Both had early suspicions, particularly when more and more money was requested, but continued anyway, Detective Matthew Kay says.
One was asked to sell her house in order to free up more money.
"Unfortunately the use of legitimate overseas bank accounts or a long-standing online relationship does not in any way imply a legitimate transaction will be made," Mr Kay says.
Money transferred overseas is very difficult to trace.
Well known romance scam photos were sent to one of the victims, and Mr Kay warned that even if you have received multiple pictures of a person, it may not be the person you are dealing with.
Galleries of known scam photos are available online.
"Police advise everyone to carefully consider who they are sending money to," Mr Kay says. "Do not send money to someone you have met online or don't know personally."
Anyone concerned they may be involved in a scam should contact police.
Source: ONE News
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