KUALA LUMPUR: People aged 50 and above recorded the highest losses among all age groups in online scam cases.
Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf stated that from 2022 to last year, a total of 59,974 individuals fell victim to online scams.
"Of this number, 11,157 victims, or 18.6 per cent, were aged 50 and above.
"This trend has continued this year. Of the 33,549 cases reported until Dec 15, 8,022 victims, or 24 per cent, were from the same age group," he said when contacted today.
He said of the RM2,069,961,960 in losses recorded in 2022 and 2023, RM909,516,442 (44 per cent) involved those aged 50 and above.
"Between Jan 1 and Dec 15, we have already recorded RM782,813,952 in losses involving this age group which is 54 per cent of the RM1,453,966,347 in losses recorded in total.
"Based on our findings, victims from this age group were considered prime targets for scammers," he said, reminding them to always be cautious and aware of online scams.
He also hoped that the public would spread awareness on online scams and their modus operandi whenever they can.
Meanwhile, on e-commerce scams, Ramli said they have recorded 6,909 cases until Dec 15 involving RM62,196,256 in losses.
"Scams based on Facebook advertisements topped the charts at 3,457 cases followed by Whatsapp (1,168), Tiktok (800) and Telegram (771).
"With the festive season and school holidays coming soon, we believe many would go online to buy clothes, furniture and other items. As such, we advise users to only make purchases through legitimate e-commerce platforms," he said.