A 53-year old divorcee sent a nude photo of herself to a new love interest, only to find herself caught in an online dating scam that extorted her for money over the photo.
“He told me he will display my nude photo unless I pay him US$5,000 (RM16,000),” said the single mother who only wished to be known as Chew, as reported by The Star Online.
At a press conference organised by MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong yesterday, Chew revealed she was introduced to a social dating website last month, where several of her friends had found new love.
She soon became acquainted with a man introducing himself as Benjamin Federico, a 54-year old veterinarian living in Canada.
“Federico” soon told her over online chat that he had savings of USD174,000 (RM558,000) and would meet her in Malaysia in August, so he could bring her back to Canada, where they could be married.
It was at this point that he requested a nude photo of Chew, which she agreed to send over.
But he declined to give me his nude photo, saying that it was against his religion and family values,” she said.
Feeling uncomfortable with his response, Chew suspected something amiss and decided to call off the relationship last Saturday.
“He started blackmailing me using the picture. Also, he demanded that I compensate him for breaking up with him,” Chew said.
With help from Chong, she lodged a report with Ampang Jaya police on Monday night.
She also complained to the dating site, which has since removed Federico’s profile.
