KUALA LUMPUR: A surge in scam advertisements flooding search engines and social media platforms has triggered fresh warnings from cybersecurity authorities.
CyberSecurity Malaysia said scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, including fake job offers, instant loan schemes, and counterfeit luxury goods, to lure victims into their traps.
The warning comes amid rising reports of jobseekers and online shoppers falling prey to ads that redirect users to clone websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
Cybersecurity Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab said scam ads that promise high returns with minimal risk or offer “instant approval” without paperwork are classic red flags.
“Legitimate financial institutions operate under strict regulatory requirements.
“The moment you are pressured by urgent calls to act or limited-time offers, that should immediately raise suspicion,” he told the New Straits Times.
Online shopping, he added, is no safer. Cloned websites offering cut-price branded goods remain a common ploy.
“Scammers use these websites to lure unsuspecting users into entering credit card details.
“As online retail grows, so does the risk. Vigilance is no longer optional,” said Amirudin.
He advised consumers to double-check website URLs, avoid unfamiliar domains, and treat exaggerated claims or urgent language with scepticism.
“Look for secure HTTPS connections, and research a site’s credibility before committing to any purchase,” he added.
While tech platforms are ramping up their defences, Amirudin stressed that safety still depends on user awareness.
“Technology is evolving, but so are scammers,” he said.
“The best line of defence remains a cautious user. Always pause, verify, and never let urgency override your judgment.”
Meanwhile, a Google spokesman said the company blocked or removed over 5.1 billion ads and restricted 9.1 billion others last year.
It also suspended more than 39.2 million advertiser accounts, including 415 million ads and over five million accounts specifically flagged for scam-related violations.
In a statement to the New Straits Times, the spokesman said user safety remains the platform’s highest priority.
“We use advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI), human reviewers, and user reporting to combat scam ads and adapt constantly to emerging threats.”
Google also encouraged users to report suspicious ads directly through the platform, adding that public feedback is crucial in helping improve its automated systems and in detecting new fraud tactics early.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
