KUALA BERANG: Police recorded 12,110 cases of online fraud or scam throughout the country in the first three months of this year, involving losses of RM573.7 million.
Federal police 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 advised the public to take preventive measures, such as avoiding suspicious links received via SMS, WhatsApp or Telegram, and refraining from sharing banking details with unknown individuals.
– Bernama
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
