KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and banking institutions are among the early-stage agencies capable of detecting online fraud or scams.
This is because when any syndicate attempts to "phish" or contact their targets, these agencies can identify the presence of fraudulent online elements.
Anti-scammer activist and ambassador Rahmat Fitri Abdullah said close collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and telecommunications companies could also prevent online scams by halting fund transfers from victims to syndicates if fraud is detected.
"Close cooperation between MCMC, BNM, banking agencies, and telco companies can effectively prevent more people from falling victim to online scams. Efforts to combat fraud cannot rely solely on awareness campaigns and warnings but must be practised through cooperative action.
"Therefore, if all parties play their roles effectively, I am confident the number of scam cases can be reduced," he said after a podcast session on Borak Harini.
Rahmat also provided examples of the early stages of scam incidents. "For example, a scam victim might receive a call or message before communication begins, often involving offers of investment, claims that their account is implicated in criminal activities, or issues about parcel deliveries.
"At this initial stage, MCMC and telco companies can detect fraudulent elements during interactions between syndicates and victims. I must emphasise that during this early stage, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is not yet involved because no police report has been made," he said.
Rahmat, a retired police officer, explained that police involvement typically begins only after victims lodge a report, usually after suffering significant financial losses.
"In the initial phase of scam cases, telco companies responsible for communication service networks can also curb suspicious elements if they take serious action to prevent fraud attempts. Ultimately, victims only turn to the police, believing they are solely responsible for handling scam cases, when in fact, the police are the final layer of defence after victims have lodged reports and experienced financial losses.
"I believe that if the PDRM is granted authority to regulate telco companies in this country, online fraud can be tackled more effectively," he added.
He emphasised that it is time for the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Digital Communications, the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN), Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), PDRM, MCMC, telco companies, and the Ministry of Education (KPM) to collaborate seriously in establishing a special task force or committee to combat online fraud and scams.