Beware of fake ‘Datuk Seri' scammers, warns MCA complaints chief
MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said his office has received six reports involving such scams, including one victim who claimed to have lost RM400,000.
'We received reports and a photo of a man claiming to be a Datuk Seri and an 'Ahli Istana Anak Angkat' written on top of his name.
'We've checked with the Palace and there is no such title. It's completely fabricated.
'The complainants lost so much money - the amount varies, with one person investing RM400,000. One of the complainants is herself a Datin,' he said during a press conference at Wisma MCA here on Friday (July 25).
Chong said the scammer in question is soliciting investments in an illegal financial scheme.
'After we interviewed the victims, they admitted they were misled into trusting him because they thought his title was genuine.
'They've now come forward to seek advice from us,' Chong added.
The scammer's state of origin remains unknown, but Chong confirmed that a police report has been lodged.
There have also been dubious claims made about an alleged quota for such titles.
'As far as we know, no such quota exists,' he said.
Chong urged the public to verify the legitimacy of honorific titles through the Bahagian Istiadat dan Urusetia Persidangan Antarabangsa website (www.istiadat.gov.my).
'Key in the name and if the person truly holds a Datuk title, it will appear. If you're unsure, you can also contact us or the Majlis Datuk-Datuk Malaysia (MDDM) for verification.'
He said the Majlis Datuk Persekutuan Malaysia (MDPM) and MDDM are actively addressing this issue, stressing that impersonating titleholders is a serious offence.
'People don't just misuse the 'Datuk' title, but also 'Datuk Seri' and 'Tan Sri'. So far, no scammer has claimed to be a 'Tun' yet,' Chong added.
He said MDDM has been pushing for amendments to Act 787 to empower police to take swifter action against individuals using fraudulent titles.
'We've been advocating for this for years. We understand the proposed changes have gone through the Attorney General's Chambers, and though the process is slow, it is progressing.'
Chong called on the public to be extra cautious when approached for business deals, particularly by individuals flaunting dubious titles.
'If someone claiming to be a Datuk Seri is asking for money, that's already a red flag.'
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