Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Mohamed revealed that Malaysia has seen a total of 89,798 online scam cases reported between 2017 to June 2022. This, in turn, translates to a cost of nearly RM3 billion to the victims.

The minister also noted that of the many types of scams, online shopping scams were the most rampant – topping the list with 32,791 cases. Other cases involved Macau scams, love scams, African scams, non-existent loans, and SMS-based scams. “The cases (involved) losses of RM2,971,534,364,” he clarified.

Additionally, Datuk Seri Dr Ismail shared that as many as 42,884 arrests had been made during the same period of time. Of these, 25,891 charges were subsequently filed.

“Aside from enforcement, the police have taken the initiative to educate the public regarding online scams through awareness campaigns. The police also cooperate with other agencies and NGOs so that the public receive information and are alert towards the latest criminal modus operandi,” Datuk Seri Dr Ismail further said.

Aside from the authorities, financial institutions such as Maybank, too, are doing their part by issuing alerts of malware scams that involve the use of fake websites and malware-ridden apps to steal victims’ personal and banking details. Some industry players have also shared demonstrations of phishing scams to raise public awareness.

(Source: The Star)

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• Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Mohamed
• Macau Scams
• Malware Scams
• Online Scams
• Phishing Scams
• Scams