SINGAPORE – In a striking crackdown on transnational crime, five Malaysian men were sentenced to jail and hefty fines on April 3 for their roles in a sophisticated "fake friend scam call" operation that fleeced at least 70 victims in Singapore, totaling over $164,000.

Operating out of a scam center in Johor Bahru, these scammers preyed on vulnerable individuals, often targeting seniors aged between 68 and 76. They employed manipulative tactics, initiating contact through phone calls or text messages while masquerading as acquaintances. Following this deceitful introduction, they would request financial help under various false pretenses.

These men began their treacherous work for the syndicate between May and August 2023, with some even collaborating on schemes against the same victims. Chua Zi Huang, 24, received the most severe sentence—four years and seven months in prison, along with a $12,000 fine—after successfully conning 54 individuals out of more than $117,000. Should he fail to pay the fine, he faces an additional 25 days in jail.

Loh Chuan Sheng, 36, was also handed a lengthy sentence of four years and four months for duping 53 victims, resulting in losses of $116,560. Accumulating a fine of $21,000, he too risks an extra 40 days behind bars if payment is not made. The other notable offender, Kek Yuan Chun, 20, was sentenced to four years and two months for scamming 52 victims out of $116,060 and fined $9,000.

Heng Guo Hao, 27, and Yee Kong Yao, 37, who conned 16 victims out of over $47,000, each received 3½-year prison terms. Their fines were set at $15,000 and $11,000 respectively, with additional jail time on the line for non-payment.

All five men, who admitted guilt in March, operated from luxurious condominium units at Marina Residence JB, where they received a monthly salary that escalated from RM3,000 (approx. S$915) to between RM5,000 and RM5,500 after three months. The operation also included commissions based on their fraudulent activities, as well as provision of meals and accommodation.

Central to their operation was a figure known as "Tong Hua Shun," who coordinated their activities via Telegram groups. Lists of potential victims—up to 200 names containing Singapore-registered numbers—would be disseminated among the group, which the scammers would call to initiate their deceitful schemes. They were equipped with scripts to ensure consistency in their tactics, fostering familiarity in voice and conversation to lower victims' guards.

Deputy Public Prosecutors Daphne Lim and Teng Yin Hang detailed in court that the scammers would lead victims to believe that they were conversing with a close friend, ultimately swindling them into transferring money to accounts managed by the syndicate under various fabricated excuses.

The Singapore Police Force, in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Police, played a pivotal role in dismantling this criminal ring. A significant raid on January 16, 2024, culminated in the arrest of the group in Johor Bahru, followed by their extradition to Singapore for prosecution.

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the lengths scammers will go to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Authorities continue to warn the public to stay vigilant against such manipulative schemes, particularly as scammers constantly evolve their tactics in an increasingly digital world.

Stay safe and informed—don’t let online fraudsters catch you off guard!