Over 12,000 online fraud cases recorded in Q1 2025
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department acting director, Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa said the number of cases from January to March showed an increase compared to the last three months of last year, namely October to December, which recorded 10,715 cases involving losses of RM519.9 million.
'In Terengganu, 1,251 cases of online fraud with a loss value of RM35.7 million were recorded throughout 2024, compared to only 1,139 cases (loss value of RM24 million) throughout 2023,' he told reporters after conducting a working visit to the Ajil police station, here today.
Rohaimi said online fraud crimes include telecommunications crimes, e-finance crimes, 'love-scam', e-commerce crimes, non-existent loans, and non-existent investments.
He said the increase in these cases was due, among other things, to the rapid development of technology and the shift in today's lifestyle which is focused on the use of online applications.
In addition, he said the rapid development of information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) was also identified as a factor in the increase in online fraud cases.
'Criminals are now also taking advantage of technology such as fake digital identity generators, fake websites, automated chatboxes, and 'deepfake' technology to deceive victims.
'Generative AI also enables the creation of content that appears authentic and convincing, making it difficult for users to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent communications,' he said.
He said in this regard, the public is advised to take preventive measures such as not clicking on any dubious links received through short messaging systems, WhatsApps, Telegram applications and so on, and not sharing banking information with unknown parties.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Be wary of suspicious links received via WhatsApp, says Bukit Aman CCID director
KUALA LUMPUR: The police have opened 26 investigation papers into a scam syndicate that tricks victims into revealing their one-time password (OTP), resulting in losses totalling RM151,000 since January this year. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the victims claimed they had received a suspicious message and clicked on an embedded link. "Once the victims enter information related to the OTP, there is a risk their WhatsApp accounts might be taken over by the syndicate," he said when contacted on Friday (July 25). Comm Rusdi explained that the syndicate's modus operandi involves sending random messages with links to potential victims. "If the victim clicks on the link and follows the syndicate's instructions to provide certain details, the perpetrators might be able to take over the WhatsApp account," he added. He advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling for such tactics. "People should delete suspicious messages or links immediately and verify the source of any URL before clicking on it. Never provide personal details, and always change your password regularly," he said. Recently, suspicious links were being spread online regarding the RM100 additional cash aid for Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme. The link is a prompt for people to supposedly check their Sara status.
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
Mule account offences rise in Malaysia - Bukit Aman warns public
KUALA LUMPUR: Mule account offences are increasingly worrying authorities, with thousands of Malaysians, including students, falling victim to financial crime syndicates luring them with promises of easy money. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa revealed that as of Monday (July 21), a total of 39,006 mule account cases had been detected, with 10,635 cases charged in court. Rusdi stated, 'This is not merely a financial issue; it has become a form of organised crime used by syndicates to carry out various illegal activities, including online fraud, fake investments and e-commerce fraud.' He warned that those involved could face charges under sections 424A, 424B, and 424C of the Penal Code, carrying a prison sentence of up to 10 years and fines of up to RM150,000. Common forms of involvement include handing over bank account details to third parties without reason, opening accounts for others, and using personal accounts for suspicious transactions. To combat this, Rusdi introduced the T.A.K.E.F.I.V.E formula as a preventive measure. The first step, Think, urges individuals to critically assess investment opportunities before acting. The second, Ask, advises verifying information with authorities before sharing banking details. Knowledge is the third step, encouraging the public to stay updated on cybercrime tactics and use verification tools like Semak Mule PDRM and Bank Negara Malaysia's Financial Consumer Alert List. Rusdi added, 'The fifth step is Fight - avoid being susceptible and don't be deceived by promises of huge or quick returns.' The final steps, Ignore and Vigilant, stress ignoring dubious offers and cutting ties with suspicious individuals. – Bernama
Barnama
5 days ago
- Barnama
Mule Account Offences A Growing Concern
KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- Mule account offences are becoming a growing concern, with thousands of Malaysians, including students, being exploited by financial crime syndicates promising easy returns, said Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa. He said that, as of Monday (July 21), a total of 39,006 mule account cases had been detected, with 10,635 of the cases charged in court, while in 2024, there were 51,197 cases, involving over 33,000 cases brought to justice. "This is not merely a financial issue; it has become a form of organised crime used by syndicates to carry out various illegal activities, including online fraud, fake investments and e-commerce fraud,' he told a media conference on CCID current issues here today. Elaborating, Rusdi said action can be taken against those involved under sections 424A, 424B and 424C of the Penal Code, which carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of RM150,000, depending on the level of involvement and the offence. He said that among the forms of involvement are handing over bank account details to a third party without reasonable cause, opening bank accounts for others and using one's account to carry out dubious transactions. As such, Rusdi recommended the use of the 'T.A.K.E.F.I.V.E' formula as a preventive guideline to help members of the public from falling victim to financial fraud syndicates and mule account offences. He said the first step is Think - individuals need to think critically before making any decision related to investment and avoid taking hasty action; followed by Ask - always ask questions and seek valid documents before providing banking or investment information, as well as check with the relevant authorities. He added that Knowledge also plays a crucial preventive role, with the public required to be aware of the latest modus operandi used by cyber criminals and carrying out e-Checks (online checks) using portals such as Semak Mule PDRM and Investment Checker by the Securities Commission, as well as Financial Consumer Alert List by Bank Negara Malaysia. "The fifth step is Fight - avoid being susceptible and don't be deceived by promises of huge or quick returns - and the sixth step is to practice the principle of Ignore, whereby the public is advised not to entertain dubious offers, particularly on social media,' he said.
