Online romantic scams cost victims 1.1 million ahead of Valentine's Day

The police have received at least 15 scam cases over the past week, seeing cumulative losses soar to 1.1 million dollars.

Among the reports, a 39-year-old man joined a dating group on social media where he met a woman claiming to be from Taiwan.

The scammer gained his trust by saying she had been trapped in the sex trade and was desperate for a way out.

Blinded by his emotions, the man transferred 3 million dollars to the woman who then disappeared.

This as the police reminded members of the public to be extra cautious when meeting someone new online.