Malaysian woman loses $187,000 after scammers promise Singapore permanent residency

A 62-year-old Malaysian woman lost RM762,700 (US$187,000) to scammers who falsely promised to help her obtain permanent residency in Singapore.

Johor Bahru South district police chief Azrul Hisham Mohd Shaffei confirmed the massive financial loss in a statement on Sept. 23, The Straits Times reported.

The woman first encountered a Facebook advertisement offering the immigration assistance in December 2025.

She contacted a Singapore phone number listed in the ad and began communicating with an individual who claimed they could facilitate the process.

While she was initially told the application would cost just S$300 (US$236), the demands for money quickly escalated.

Between May 5 and Aug. 31, the victim made 123 separate transfers from her savings, sending a total of RM762,700 to various bank accounts provided by the suspect.

The woman eventually grew suspicious as the suspect continued requesting additional payments, realizing she had been defrauded before filing a police report, according to the Oriental Daily.

Police launched an investigation into the bank accounts and verified the fraudulent transactions.

Authorities have since located and arrested a suspect, though Azrul Hisham did not provide further details about the individual's identity or whether any of the stolen funds had been recovered.

The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

If convicted, the suspect faces up to 10 years in prison, corporal punishment by whipping, and a fine.