Elderly victim tricked by scammer claiming to heal family from ‘malevolent spirits’
A 70-year-old man in Tangkak lost RM445,000 in cash and jewellery after being deceived by a bogus spiritual healer who claimed his family was haunted by malicious spirits. The substantial loss occurred between March and April 2025, leaving authorities on a manhunt for the elusive scammer.
Tangkak District Police Chief Superintendent Roslan Mohd Talib confirmed the incident, noting the victim handed over large amounts of cash along with valuable jewellery across multiple visits. The elderly victim trusted the scammer because he was a familiar acquaintance, making the betrayal particularly damaging.
Roslan explained, “The suspect staged a convincing act to exploit the victim financially,” highlighting the perpetrator’s methodical approach to gaining trust through deception.
Investigation Underway, Suspect Still at Large
Police initiated an investigation under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, a crime that carries severe penalties, including imprisonment up to 10 years, whipping, and fines. Despite immediate police action following the victim’s report on April 14, the suspect remains at large.
Authorities urged the public to be vigilant, particularly when approached with claims involving supernatural solutions requiring significant financial investments.
Superintendent Roslan stressed that individuals seeking traditional healing services should always verify credentials and be cautious of promises that appear overly mystical or miraculous. He advised, “Check credentials. Don’t let desperation lead to deception. If it sounds too mystical to be true, it probably is.”
The Commercial Crime Investigation Department has urged anyone victimized by similar scams to immediately contact the National Scam Response Centre via the 997 hotline. Swift action allows authorities to freeze suspect accounts, preventing further financial losses.
Educational materials and warnings on prevalent scams are regularly shared on official police social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, to keep the public informed and alert.
The financial impact of scams like these extends beyond Malaysia, serving as a stark reminder to Indonesians and Singaporeans about the importance of remaining alert. Increased vigilance, public education campaigns, and active reporting remain essential strategies for safeguarding communities against fraud and exploitation.
Sources: Malay Mail (2025), NST (2025)
Keywords: Tangkak, Spiritual Scam, Bogus Healer, Financial Loss, Police Investigation
