Nearly RM3bil lost to over 80,000 online scams

NEARLY RM3bil in losses were incurred through 89,798 online scam cases reported from 2017 till June this year, the Dewan Rakyat was told.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Mohamed said online shopping scams topped the chart at 32,791 cases. Other types of scams included Macau Scams, Love Scams, African Scams, non-existent loans and SMS scams.

“The number of cases reported across the country from 2017 up till June this year was 89,798 cases involving losses amounting to RM2,971,534,364.

“Based on statistics, online shopping scams recorded the highest number, with 32,791 cases, compared to others,” said Ismail during Oral Question Time in Parliament yesterday.

Ismail was responding to Datuk Zakaria Mohd Edris (PN-Libaran), who asked the government to state its approach to addressing commercial crimes in the country involving online scams.

Ismail said that during the same period, the police had made 42,884 arrests, of which 25,891 charges were subsequently filed.

“Aside from enforcement, the police have taken the initiative to educate the public regarding online scams through awareness campaigns.

“The police also cooperate with other agencies and NGOs so that the public receive information and are alert towards the latest criminal modus operandi,” added Ismail.