KUALA LUMPUR: The police have opened 26 investigation papers into a scam syndicate that tricks victims into revealing their one-time password (OTP), resulting in losses totalling RM151,000 since January this year.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the victims claimed they had received a suspicious message and clicked on an embedded link.
"Once the victims enter information related to the OTP, there is a risk their WhatsApp accounts might be taken over by the syndicate," he said when contacted on Friday (July 25).
Comm Rusdi explained that the syndicate’s modus operandi involves sending random messages with links to potential victims.
"If the victim clicks on the link and follows the syndicate's instructions to provide certain details, the perpetrators might be able to take over the WhatsApp account," he added.
He advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling for such tactics.
"People should delete suspicious messages or links immediately and verify the source of any URL before clicking on it. Never provide personal details, and always change your password regularly," he said.
Recently, suspicious links were being spread online regarding the RM100 additional cash aid for Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) programme.
The link is a prompt for people to supposedly check their Sara status.
