KUALA LUMPUR: Online fraud involving e-finance crimes, love scams, e-commerce, telecommunications, loans, and non-existent investments rose between 1.6% and 19.8% in the first quarter of this year compared to the last quarter of last year.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department acting director Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa reported losses amounting to RM573.7mil from 12,110 cases recorded between January and March this year.
"E-commerce crime cases saw the highest increase of 19.8% with 2,535 cases, followed by telecommunications crime at 17.1%, involving 5,214 cases.
"The rise in e-commerce crime is closely linked to increased online purchasing, especially during the Aidilfitri celebration," he stated in a statement.
Despite the overall rise in online fraud cases, Rohaimi noted that the total losses involving e-finance crimes, love scams, e-commerce crimes, and non-existent loans had decreased between 1.8% and 24.8%.
However, there was an increase in losses for telecommunications fraud and non-existent investments, of 2.1% involving RM159.2mil and 20.2% involving RM357.7mil, respectively.
Rohaimi highlighted that rapid technological advancements and modern lifestyles are being exploited by criminals who create fake digital identities, websites, automated conversations (chatbots), and deepfake technology to deceive victims.
"Generative artificial intelligence (AI) enables the creation of content that appears authentic and convincing, making it difficult for users to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent communications," he added.
He advised the public to remain vigilant when conducting online business, conducting background checks on individuals or entities involved, and avoiding disclosing personal information arbitrarily.
Users are also encouraged to consult official sources such as the police's SemakMule portal before making any digital financial transactions. - Bernama
