The police have cautioned that online scam cases in Malaysia are increasing according to statistics.
The scams comprised bogus loans, SMS scams, African scams, Macau scams, Business Email Compromised (BEC) scams, internet trading scams, and online sales scams, according to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.
A total of 13,703 fraud instances totaling RM539 million in damages were recorded in 2019. The next year, there were 17,227 instances, resulting in losses of RM511.2 million.
“Last year, there were 20,701 scam cases registered with losses amounting to RM560.8 million.
“Between January and July this year alone, 12,092 cases were reported with losses of RM414.8 million,” he said during the virtual launching of the ‘Financial Crime: Scan Before You’re Scammed’ exhibition today.
Acryl Sani said that between January 2019 and July of this year, 33,147 cybercrime suspects were apprehended, while 22,196 were sent to court to face charges.
Online scams have become more prevalent due to a variety of factors, including growing proficiency in technological exploitation and the use of online ways to contact victims with a poor understanding of cybercrime.
The police projected that young people, particularly students, would become scammers’ next target.
“They will use mule accounts for their illicit activities. We are cooperating with banking institutions to facilitate and complete the investigation as soon as possible,” he said.
Earlier this year, Melaka police detained two siblings, believed to be involved in fraudulent online sales, including selling disposable children’s diapers involving losses amounting to RM3.29 million.
Meanwhile, a woman had her sentence added by another 80 months this month after she was convicted of scamming victims by selling them non-existent electrical appliances.
To find out more about the common money scams in Malaysia, you can check out this article.
Those looking to report online scam activities may contact the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) Infoline via Whatsapp at 013-2111222.
Victims may also call the CCID Scam Response Centre between 8am and 10pm at 03-26101559 or 03-26101599.
They can also check the ‘Semak Mule’ portal or via smartphone applications.
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