PETALING JAYA: Scammers falsely claiming to be honorific title holders continue to deceive the public and exploit trust despite repeated warnings and police action, it was revealed.
MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said cases involving fake and unrecognised titles have persisted since 2000.
“Not only do these scammers falsely claim to hold titles to get money, they also do it to get close to VIPs or even just feed their own ego,” he said when contacted.
Chong, however, said there were signs of progress with police having made several arrests in recent cases involving fake honorific titles.
Despite this, he expressed disbelief that such scams continue to succeed.
“I don’t understand how people can still believe these scammers. Honorific titles cannot be given out without strict protocol and background checks. The authorities will not be so naive as to simply hand out titles,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that some victims may be genuinely unsure as to who legitimately held an honorific, given the large number of titleholders nationwide.
On Tuesday, Chong addressed a joint dialogue session between the Selangor Justice of Peace (JP) Council, Majlis Datuk Datuk Malaysia (MDDM) and Majlis Datuk Persekutuan Malaysia (MDPM) aimed at strengthening strategic collaboration and public integrity for 2026.
The meeting, chaired by Selangor JP president Datuk Ng Seong Liong, was led by MDDM president Datuk Samson Maman and its vice-president Datuk Seri Irmohizam Ibrahim, with Chong representing the MCA.
In a joint statement, the councils said they observed a growing and alarming trend of individuals falsely claiming titles such as Datuk, Datuk Seri, Tan Sri and also awards such as JP.
They said such individuals often pose for photographs with the Rulers, governors, ministers and public figures before posting the images on social media to create a false impression of legitimacy or endorsement.
More serious cases have also been identified, including the use of blue strobe lights on vehicles to impersonate authority, fake uniforms and insignia, unauthorised use of titles on documents and vehicles, and false claims of professional or association status.
The public was urged to exercise due diligence, verify claims through recognised channels and report suspected abuses to the authorities.
