SIBU: Sarawakians have been urged to be extra vigilant against online fraud, especially with the festive season approaching, as the criminals are well-organised and their tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Sarawak National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) president Lucas Lau said crime patterns continue to evolve alongside technological advancements, making cyber fraud a growing concern.
While physical crime rates have declined in some areas, he noted that cyber fraud cases have risen sharply.
"During the festive season, people are often tempted by attractive offers, huge discounts or promises of lucrative rewards.
"These situations are frequently exploited by scam syndicates seeking quick profits," he said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 22).
Lau cited data up to the end of last year, which showed a significant surge in online fraud losses nationwide.
He said tens of thousands of cases had been recorded, with total financial losses exceeding RM2.7bil.
He stressed that these figures represented more than statistics, warning that they indicated a serious threat to public financial security.
"In most cases, once the money is transferred, it is almost impossible to recover. This is why the public must be more alert and discerning to avoid falling victim to scams," he said.
Lau added that cyberfraud not only affects individuals but also poses a serious risk to the legitimate business ecosystem.
He said the growing number of scam cases could undermine consumer confidence in digital transactions, affecting honest traders, particularly small and medium enterprises that rely heavily on e-commerce platforms.
"Fear of being scammed can discourage consumers from shopping online and ultimately hamper local economic growth," he said, adding that combating scams is crucial to preserving market integrity and the reputation of trustworthy businesses.
As a precautionary measure, Lau emphasised the importance of acting swiftly on any suspected scam.
He advised victims to immediately contact their banks through their 24-hour helplines or lodge a report with the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) by calling 997.
"Early reporting is vital to allow authorities to block the transfer of funds out of the banking system," he said.
The public is also encouraged to verify suspicious phone numbers or bank accounts through the Royal Malaysia Police’s SemakMule portal before conducting any transactions.
Lau said Sarawak MTPN remains ready to work closely with the authorities and enforcement agencies to organise more awareness programmes across the state.
He added that the organisation is prepared to support and participate in community initiatives aimed at educating the public on consumer awareness and rights.
Lau also reminded the public to practise the principle of "verify before you trust" and never share banking details with third parties.
"I urge Sarawakians to unite in strengthening financial and digital literacy so that we do not fall victim to the deceptive tactics of irresponsible cybercriminals," he said.
