Over RM229,000 lost to scams via text messages

KUALA LUMPUR: SMS-based scams are on the rise with 18 cases recorded to date, Bukit Aman revealed. Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said losses were estimated at RM229,866.

“The latest tactic involves victims reportedly receiving SMS’ from telecommunication companies. The messages will claim that the victim had been awarded reward points and that they had to claim them before expiry.

“The victims were told to click on a link sent before being forwarded to a site that would ask for online banking information and the OTP number sent from the bank,” he told a press conference yesterday.

Comm Ramli said the 18 cases were reported from Jan 1 to April 17.

He said the previous directive to telcos to not provide website links in text messages still stands.

He said police had also detected phishing sites being pushed via QR codes.

“Lately, an incident went viral on social media where drink bottles were sent house to house in an apparent new scamming tactic.

“Via the clip shared on social media, the bottles had QR codes, which claimed that people could win coupons worth RM200. “After scanning the code, the person will be told to enter their banking information, which will lead to losses from their accounts.”

Comm Ramli said no reports on this particular scam had been received as of now but advised all to be wary of it.