JOHOR BARU: A FOREIGN syndicate has been using sob stories to con locals, especially those working in Singapore, into handing over cash and valuables in exchange for 'winning lottery tickets'.

The syndicate, comprising Indonesians, have ripped off thousands of ringgits mainly from factory workers, odd job labourers, cleaners and even housewives nationwide.

A police source said in most cases, syndicate members would approach a victim telling stories of their relative being sick in the hospital and they needing cash for treatment.

'The syndicate member will then show the victim the winning lottery tickets in exchange for jewellery and cash,' the source said.

Police uncovered the syndicate's activities when they arrested five Indonesians, aged between 30 and 40 years at a hotel in the city several days ago.

At least two of those arrested are women with one having a previous record, said the source.

The gang is said to be responsible for dozens of cases in the state this year with the latest victim being a factory worker in Singapore who was approached at a shopping complex here.

The source said the suspect claimed she needed money for a relative's treatment and only had the winning lottery ticket worth almost RM90,000 (S$37,600).

The victim who initially refused to part with her money fell for the woman's story that a foreigner was not allowed to collect the prize money and handed over jewellery and cash totalling RM5,000.

'The victim only realised that she had been conned when she was told that the ticket was fake when collecting the prize money,' said the police source, adding that the victim lodged a police report.

Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Zainud- din Yaakob confirmed the incidents. -- The Star/ANN