Providing a shield against Macau scammers

Close calls: The MCMC has blocked 1.6 billion suspicious calls with the help of telcos.

PETALING JAYA: More than 1.6 billion suspicious calls have been blocked, yet every day there is another report of someone losing their hard-earned income or even their life’s savings to a Macau scam.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said scammers were taking advantage of newer technology, new products or services, and major events to create believable storylines to con victims.

“Through joint ventures with telecommunication service providers, 1.6 billion suspicious calls have been successfully blocked from reaching consumers.

“In addition, the MCMC is currently looking into a new set of guidelines to curb fraud through short message service (SMS),” it said in a statement.

The regulator said industry monitoring and enforcement actions are conducted regularly to curb fraudulent activities via calls and SMS, which adversely affect consumers and the industry.

Some of the initiatives included the establishment of a Special Task Force for Telecommunication Fraud in collaboration with telecommunication service providers and the police, it added.

“Awareness campaigns were also held in collaboration with telcos and the police through SMS, social media, and broadcasting platforms to alert the public.

“Scams target people of all backgrounds, ages and income levels across Malaysia. There is no one group of people that is more likely to become victims. As a result, all of us may be vulnerable.

“Scams succeed because they look like the real thing and catch you off-guard,” it said.

The MCMC also said victims should first be alert to the existence of scams to protect themselves.

“When dealing with unsolicited communications from people or businesses, whether over the phone, by mail, email, in person or on a social networking site, always consider the possibility that it may be a scam.

“Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

“Next, know who you’re dealing with. If you’ve only ever met someone online or are unsure of the legitimacy of a business, take some time to do a bit more research,” it added.

It also advised the public to do a Google search or use the SemakMule Portal (https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my) to check whether the bank account or phone number used in the communication was recently involved in a crime.

“If a message or email comes from a friend and it seems unusual or out of character, contact your friend directly to check,” it said.

Last year, 1,585 Macau scam cases were reported nationwide, resulting in RM560.8mil in losses.

This year, the number has reached 1,258 cases from Jan 1 to April 19, involving RM65.4mil in losses.

Macau scammers usually pose as government authorities such as the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), the police, bank or court officials. They will scare victims into thinking they owe back taxes or have been linked to a crime.

Last month, LHDN’s director of CEO Office Ranjeet Kaur said these scammers contacted victims through messages, phone calls, letters or emails claiming they had tax arrears, and the victims were then fooled into transferring money into bank accounts that did not belong to LHDN.

She warned the public never to reveal their personal or banking details, especially online banking passwords, or click on links received via a suspicious email.