KUALA LUMPUR: Online scam cases in Malaysia are on an upward trend, according to police statistics.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said the cases involved online sales scams, online trading scams, African scams, Macau scams, Business Email Compromised (BEC) scams, fake loans and SMS scams.
In 2019, there were 13,703 scam cases reported, involving losses of RM539 million. It increased to 17,227 cases the following year, with RM511.2 million in losses recorded.
"Last year, there were 20,701 scam cases registered with losses amounting to RM560.8 million.
"Between January and July this year alone, 12,092 cases were reported with losses of RM414.8 million," he said during the virtual launching of the 'Financial Crime: Scan Before You're Scammed' exhibition today.
Also present was Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus.
Acryl Sani also said 33,147 cyber crime suspects were detained, while 22,196 were brought to the court to be charged between 2019 to July this year.
Rising expertise in exploiting technology and approaching victims with low awareness on cyber crime via online methods were among the reasons behind the increase in online scams, he said.
The police predicted that youths, especially students, would the next target for scammers.
"They will use mule accounts for their illicit activities. We are cooperating with banking institutions to facilitate and complete the investigation as soon as possible," he said.
The police will also continue to spread awareness on the prevention of cyber crime, and those efforts will be intensified further this year.
Those looking to report online scam activities may contact the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) Infoline via Whatsapp at 013-2111222.
Victims may also call the CCID Scam Response Centre between 8am and 10pm at 03-26101559 or 03-26101599.
They can also check the 'Semak Mule' portal at https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my or via smartphone applications.