A 49-year-old Malaysian man, Mr Li, fell victim to an online scam after responding to an advertisement in September 2024 from a supposed buyer willing to pay a high price for sperm. The ad led him to a woman claiming to be a 34-year-old Singaporean named Chen. After several interactions via WhatsApp, Chen and her so-called lawyer convinced Li to transfer a total of RM25,000 (S$7,778) under the pretext of proving his sincerity and handling fees. It was only after the lawyer demanded an additional RM30,000 (S$9,334) that Li realised he had been scammed. He shared his ordeal at a press conference in Malaysia on September 24 to warn others about such scams.
Background
Li’s encounter began when he saw an online ad from a buyer willing to pay a high price for sperm. Chen, who claimed to be the wife of a wealthy Singaporean businessman, contacted him through WhatsApp. She promised a reward of RM1 million (S$309,439) if he could impregnate her. To prove his sincerity, Li was asked to transfer RM1,000 (S$309) and later RM24,000 (S$7,427) to receive an upfront payment of RM300,000 (S$92,832). The scam unravelled when the lawyer requested an additional RM30,000 (S$9,334).
Li never met Chen in person
Chen’s communication with Li was limited to text and voice messages, always avoiding video calls by claiming she was busy. She portrayed herself as a concerned and affectionate partner, which helped her gain Li’s trust. Li was aware that selling his sperm would involve sex and believed he was chosen because Chen found him mature and level-headed after exchanging photos.
Chen asked Li to pay security deposit, sign NDA
Chen’s messages became more affectionate over time, and she eventually asked Li to transfer a security deposit of RM1,000 (S$309) to her lawyer’s account. She assured him that the lawyer would then ask him to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and pay him an upfront amount of RM300,000 (S$92,832). Li signed the NDA on September 10 and transferred the money, believing he was on the verge of receiving a substantial payment.
Lawyer asked for more transfers
After Li transferred the initial amounts, the lawyer demanded an additional RM24,000 (S$7,427) as a handling fee before releasing the upfront payment. Li complied, but the lawyer then requested another RM30,000 (S$9,334) for international transfers and handling fees. This final demand made Li realise he had been scammed.
Reached out to help others, not to earn money: Li
Li explained that he had not shared his experience earlier due to the NDA he signed. This included keeping the information from his 19-year-old child, with whom he lives after his wife left years ago. When asked if he was motivated by money or Chen’s beauty, Li stated he only wanted to help others and had never considered making money from the situation.
NDA confirmed to be fake
A legal advisor from the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) Public Service and Complaints Department confirmed that the NDA was fake. The law firm supposedly involved in drafting the NDA denied any involvement, revealing that the contract was created by scammers. The NDA, valid for 20 years, required Li to keep all interactions with Chen and her lawyer confidential, with penalties for breaking the contract.
Public awareness and future implications
Li’s case highlights the growing sophistication of online scams and the importance of public awareness. By sharing his story, Li hopes to prevent others from falling into similar traps. Authorities urge individuals to verify the legitimacy of online offers and seek legal advice before making any financial commitments. This incident serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and sceptical of too-good-to-be-true offers.
