Johor Baru: Police have recorded a drop in losses suffered due to commercial crime cases from RM120mil from January to Feb 26 last year to RM26.4mil in the same period this year.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat (pic) said that despite this, the number of reported cases this year had shown an increase to 707, compared to 580 last year within the same period.
"Although the amount of losses shows a drop of 78%, the number of reported cases has gone up 21%.
"Cheating has been the leading contributor to commercial crime cases this year, with 544 investigation papers opened from the 707 reported cases.
"This is followed by cybercrime with 102 cases and loansharking with 32 cases," he said in a statement on Monday (Feb 27).
Comm Kamarul Zaman added that the cheating cases involved online purchase scams with 108 cases, followed by job vacancy scams (101) and Macau scams (77).
"We would like to remind the public to be careful when conducting any transaction online to avoid being a victim.
"Always ensure that the phone number and bank account number provided are checked under the 'Semak Mule' app that is provided by the Commercial Criminal Investigation Department (CCID)," he added.
The latest information on scam activities is also available through the CCID's social media channels.
"Victims can immediately call the National Scam Response Centre for early mitigation steps to block any financial transfer from the suspect's bank account," Comm Kamarul Zaman added.
