KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian of all age groups have lost a staggering half a billion ringgit to phone scams in the past three years, police said.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the department recorded 7,473 phone scam cases from 2023 to June this year, involving losses amounting to RM532,765,591.07.
“These scams are not slowing down. In 2023 alone, we received 3,027 reports involving RM158.8 million in losses, and we arrested 1,139 individuals linked to syndicates,” he said.
“In 2024, the number of cases dipped slightly to 2,825, but losses remained high at RM142.2 million, with 1,281 arrests made.”
“Between January and June this year, police have registered 1,621 cases, totalling RM72.95 million in losses. We arrested 713 suspects.”
He said these figures show how widespread and damaging phone scams had become. Scammers prey on victims using fear, deception and false authority.
YOUNG ADULTS MAIN TARGET
Rusdi said the highest number of victims fell within the 21 to 30 age group, with 2,736 cases reported over the two-and-a-half year period.
“This group is likely more exposed to technology and mobile phone usage, which scammers exploit.”
The second group of victims belonged to the 31 to 40 age group with 1,361 cases reported, followed by the 41 to 50 age group with 1,037 cases reported.
He said 914 victims were from the 61 and above age group, followed by 858 victims from the 51 to 60 age group.
He added that the group with the least number of victims were those in the 15 to 20 age group, with 528 cases reported.
FEAR AND IGNORANCE
Rusdi said scammers relied on psychological pressure, often targeting people who were unaware of official investigation procedures and those easily frightened.
“The first thing syndicates do is create fear. They claim the victim has been involved in criminal offences such as drug trafficking, money laundering or hit-and-run accidents.
“The victim is then threatened with arrest or legal action.”
He said many victims were either too afraid or ashamed to consult others, including family members or spouses, leading them to comply with the scammer’s instructions.
Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns, Rusdi said many were unaware that authorities, especially the police, do not conduct investigations via phone calls. This lack of knowledge remains one of the key reasons scammers continue to succeed.
“The most important thing to remember is to remain calm and remember that government agencies do not transfer phone calls between different agencies.
“People panic when told they are in trouble with the law. That panic, combined with not knowing the correct procedures, makes them vulnerable.
“Education is still our strongest defence.”
Rusdi urged the public to share verified information about scams and speak openly about suspicious experiences so that others may learn and be better protected.
He also advised the public to lodge a report if they receive a suspicious call or believe that they have been targeted.
“Early reporting gives us a better chance of identifying and stopping these syndicates.
“If you are in doubt, go to the nearest police station or contact the National Scam Response Centre via 997.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
