In 2023, online scams Malaysia faced a massive hit, with Malaysians losing RM1.218 billion across 34,497 cases, including RM352.9 million from phone scams, per the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). Besides that, E-commerce fraud (33.2%) and investment scams (17.5%) led, with over 8,800 falling for fake online sellers by September 2023. In other word, from Penang teens losing RM500 to fake game codes to retirees drained by phone scams, no one is immune to online scams Malaysia faces.
Scammers Get Smarter with AI, But So Do We
Scammers now use AI-powered deepfakes to impersonate officials and family, alongside phishing links and fake job ads targeting vulnerable groups. To fight back, Malaysia’s tech innovators deploy AI scam prevention tools. For instances, Scammers on Hold AI (Sohai), created by Dylan Tan Founder of Replyr.ai, wastes criminals’ time with time-wasting chats. Moreover, Scam Check Malaysia flags 1 in 5 fraudulent SME transactions in 2024 trials, catching fake voices and deepfakes, keeping online scams Malaysia at bay.
Education and Government Join the Fight
The National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) Hotline 997 resolved 15,000 cases in 2023, freezing accounts and guiding victims. Not only that, Cybersecurity Malaysia runs simulated phishing tests in schools, teaching kids to spot red flags like urgent payment demands, aligning with Malaysia Madani’s vision for a secure digital future. Above all, SMEs can access MDEC grants for cybersecurity training, protecting businesses under ESG goals.
Penang Leads with Digital Transformation
As a result, Penang is hosting PDX2025, an exhibition empowering SMEs and innovators with digital strategies to boost efficiency. Discover actionable solutions at https://penangdigitalisation.com/ for the full schedule, speakers, and sessions. It’s a step toward Malaysia’s safer digital future, led by local efforts, enhancing digital safety Penang.
Expert Insight
Ts. Lukas J., a Penang technopreneur, champions AI-driven solutions, training 300+ programmers and lecturing at 40+ universities. A 2022 Golden Bull winner and Industry 4.0 advisor. Moreover, he also specially invited as a national industry expert for NCS industry Forward panel by JPK in 2024. Certainly, he blends innovation with cybersecurity under Malaysia Madani.
Stay Safe: Tips for Readers
To sum up, here’s some tips for readers to prevent online scam:
- Verify investments with BNM at 1-300-88-5465.
- Shop from trusted sites, check reviews, use secure payments.
- Report scams via NSRC at 997 or police.
- Watch for deepfakes; don’t act on suspicious videos or calls.
Source by: New Straits Times: 34,497 online scam cases reported, losses estimated at RM1.2 billion last year
