KUALA LUMPUR – The rapid pace of technological advancements has led to a rise in online crimes. Prolonged Internet use during the Covid-19 lockdowns made many vulnerable to such crimes. In Malaysia, the volume of online crime surged during the initial Movement Control Order in 2020 as daily activities, including food delivery, shopping for materials, and grocery purchases, shifted online. This trend highlights a key aspect of the global shift to the ‘new normal’.
A serious situation
Between 2021 and April 2024, over RM3.18 billion was lost to online scams in Malaysia, affecting more than 95,800 victims. The actual losses might be higher, as many victims may not report such incidents for various reasons.
Cases of phishing, fraud and scams have surged significantly, with criminals exploiting the shift to remote work, turning this into a widespread post-pandemic challenge for many countries.
Types of online scams
According to Bank Negara, among the various types of cybercrime, online scams are the most prevalent. Let’s delve into the different forms these scams can take.
There are various types of online scams. The following are the most prevalent:
– Phone scam
– Love scam
– Security scam
– Gift scam
– Mule scam
– Investment scam
– Loan scam
– Phishing scam
– Job scam
– Malware scam
– Cash reward scam
– e-Commerce Scam
How to spot a scam
Maybank advises the general public to be alert to these warning signs to protect themselves from scams:
– Unsolicited messages or calls from unfamiliar contacts
– Offers or deals that appear too good to be true
– Urgent demands to act quickly or make snap decisions
– Requests for personal details, such as passwords or identification numbers
– Unusual payment methods or unexpected payment demands
– Suspicious links or attachments from unknown senders.
What can you do if you think you have been scammed?
If you suspect a scam, contact the National Scam Response Centre at 997 or your bank’s scam hotline. Avoid engaging with the scammer and instead:
– Do not respond
– Verify the source
– Report the scam
– Block the contact and delete any messages
The victim should file a police report promptly to enable swift action and investigation. It is also highly recommended for the victim to retain any evidence of the scam, such as text messages, screenshots or recordings of the conversation, to aid the police in their inquiry.
Steps to combat online scams and cybercrime in general
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching highlighted that the rising number of cybercrime cases and associated losses reflect an alarming surge in online criminal activity, despite ongoing efforts and collaborations with social media platform providers. Teo suggested it may be time to reconsider classifying social media platforms as public utilities, given their growing role as hubs for AI-generated content and the lack of viable alternatives.
“This would mean treating platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok as essential services, similar to water, electricity or internet providers,” she explained.
Such a reclassification would subject these platforms to government regulation, ensuring stronger user protections and better management of harmful content. Teo proposed that a licensing framework, akin to traditional utility oversight, could address issues such as misinformation, privacy violations, and the spread of harmful material.
Malaysian Media Council Bill
The Malaysian Media Council Bill is anticipated to be tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat in the coming weeks. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that the Communications Ministry had submitted the draft of the Bill to the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) for final review on October 14, 2024.
Once enacted, the Media Council’s main responsibilities will include ensuring adherence to established standards, especially considering the swift spread of information in the digital era, which can have widespread impacts.
MCMC’s role in addressing scams
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) removed 32,676 pieces of fraudulent and scam-related content between January and August 15, 2024, a significant rise from 6,297 in 2023.
Victims of scams who have reported to the MCMC will be referred to the appropriate authorities, as different types of scam cases fall under the jurisdiction of various agencies, such as the police, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, the Securities Commission Malaysia, or Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). If necessary, the MCMC will provide technical support, including information and digital forensics analysis.
Additionally, as a proactive measure, the MCMC will contact website or social media platform providers to have scam-related content, such as advertisements or posts, removed to prevent further victimisation.
Sebenarnya.my
Sebenarnya.my is a portal created by the MCMC to allow the public to verify news or reports and access the latest information on scam tactics. The portal is also designed to raise awareness about potential scams that could affect anyone, anywhere, and at any time.
In conclusion, the rise of online scams in Malaysia is a growing concern, exacerbated by the rapid technological advancements and the shift to digital activities in recent years. Initiatives such as the MCMC’s proactive efforts and the Malaysian Media Council Bill offer hope for better regulation and protection. However, continued awareness, timely reporting, and collaboration between agencies remain vital to combating the escalating threat of online scams and ensuring the safety of digital spaces. – January 28, 2025