Man in 70s scammed out of $3.2mn in online romance scam by woman posing as 'neighbor'

A 70-year-old man was defrauded of over HK$3.2 million after being contacted via WhatsApp by an individual posing as his neighbor, before dragging him into a deceitful romantic relationship, leaving him with debts exceeding HK$1 million.

The victim received a message in late April from a woman posing as his neighbor, who initially claimed that a water leak had occurred in his unit. 

Following an apology for the misdial, the two engaged in continuous communication, which culminated in the development of an online romance without any physical meetings.

In mid-May, the woman alleged that she had insider cryptocurrency tips from her job at the Singapore Exchange, using affectionate phrases like “You know I have fallen for you” to convince him to invest in various schemes.

Between May 23 and July 16, the victim transferred HK$3.27 million in 37 transactions to 34 bank accounts provided by the woman.

When ATM limits prevented further transactions, he attempted to withdraw HK$900,000 in person from the bank, prompting bank staff to alert the authorities. 

The scam resulted in a loss of HK$3.27 million and nearly HK$1 million in debt for the victim

Police reported nearly 20 similar investment romance scams in two weeks, with 40 percent of the victims being over 60, and total losses exceeding HK$10 million. 

(Anson Luk)