MALACCA, May 14 — More than RM1.5 million in losses were recorded between January and April this year involving fraud cases perpetrated by Africans compared with RM326,000 in the same period last year.

Malacca Commercial Crimes chief Supt Ee Khong Koy said the number of cases involving fraud has also increased to 26 cases this year compared with 15 cases last year.

“Number of fraud cases increased by about 73 per cent while the amount of losses recorded by victims increased to more than 300 per cent this year compared to last year.

“This rapid increase shows the ‘tidak apa’ attitude of the society towards crime involving Africans, causing them to be easily fooled,” he told reporters in a press conference, here today.

He said the victims were tricked by love affairs of the fraud syndicate via email, phone, Facebook, WhatsApp and meetings.

He said the victims were aged between 20 and 60s and comprised of a group of private sector workers, nurses, self-employed, housewives and professionals, including doctors and lawyers.

In this regard, he advised people, especially women, not to give away money to a new friend, known through the social networking site. — Bernama