KUALA LUMPUR: Close to RM2bil has been lost to online scams since 2021 with losses from this January to September already exceeding each of the previous years, says Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf (pic).
"In 2021, 20,701 cases were recorded with RM560.8mil in losses. The number dipped to 20,041 last year (but) losses reached RM684.5mil," the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director told a press conference here on Thursday (Oct 12).
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Comm Ramli said up to September this year, police had already recorded 19,220 cases involving RM687.6mil in losses.
"In total, we recorded 59,962 online scam cases since 2021, which resulted in RM1.93bil in losses," he added.
"Online scams are categorised as ecommerce, investment, loan, phone, business email compromise (BEC) and SMS scams.
"With investment scams, for example, there is no such thing as a get-rich-quick scheme. Don't believe an offer (of returns) if it sounds too good to be true.
"Where is the logic? If such offers are true, there is no need for a banking system or legitimate investment houses.
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"Scammers often use a successful return on investment case to bait victims. It may happen (at first) but only once, (and ultimately) the victims stand to lose much more.
"Victims of investment scams have recorded losses ranging from the thousands to millions of ringgit," he said.
Comm Ramli said the department received reports of scam cases daily.
"However, we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure, so we will never give up on spreading awareness," he said.
He also advised the public to be more sceptical when approached by scammers and be aware of their tactics.
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"Always stay vigilant and look out for each other, especially family members," he added.
Earlier, Comm Ramli launched CCID'S Anti-Scam Kapcai Ride programme at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) here.
It will see a convoy of 65 riders journeying from Pulapol to Cameron Highlands, Pahang.
"They will make several stops and spread the anti-crime message.
"It is our latest initiative in reaching out to the masses," he said.
The programme aims to create more awareness of scams so that fewer people fall victim.
"I hope such programmes will have a positive impact on CCID's efforts to curb commercial crimes, especially scams, in Malaysia," he said.
