A total 4,673 cases of ‘Love Scams’ involving RM182.3 million were detected in the country from 2013 until May this year, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Following that, the Dewan Rakyat was told today, 1,773 individuals have been arrested during the same period.

"PDRM has taken several pro-active measures to prevent this activity which has been spreading rampantly through the social media.

“It has been happening in many countries including ours,” Ahmad Zahid said in reply to a question from Tanah Merah Member of Parliament, Datuk Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz.

He said, for this year alone, there were 794 cases of 'Love Scams' reportedly detected in Malaysia.

“These cases of frauds involved victims suffering losses of more than RM30 million due to Love Scams,” he added.

He said, the modus operandi used by the suspects is by means of some handsome and rich men to impress the women.

"The suspects used the identity of fair-skinned men who are handsome and rich to deceive women," said Ahmad Zahid.

In the mean time, he added, the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) constantly monitors and makes arrests after conducting investigations.