SHAH ALAM: Phone scam syndicates have been detected using a technique known as Caller ID spoofing to display numbers that appear to come from local telco networks or legitimate agencies in Malaysia.
This tactic is used solely to deceive victims and increase their level of trust in the calls they receive.
Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said this is among the tricks detected by the police through the department based on recorded case statistics.
Last year, a total of 5,097 investigation papers were opened for phone scam cases, with losses recorded at more than RM241mil.
Rusdi said that in the current era of globalisation, the use of technology and the Internet has become part of daily life.
He said this has also opened the door to various forms of cybercrime, including fraud via phone calls.
“The modus operandi involves calls from suspects impersonating representatives of enforcement agencies such as the police, the Inland Revenue Board and the courts.
“Others include financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies, or government agencies including the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the Health Ministry,” he told Sinar Ahad.
Rusdi said victims are then connected to another individual impersonating an authority figure and informed that their bank accounts are involved in illegal activities such as money laundering, drugs or tax arrears.
“Victims are threatened not to inform others and only realise they have been scammed after discovering that money in their accounts is missing and they are unable to contact the suspects again,” he said.
According to Rusdi, there are cases where the scam syndicates use the Caller ID spoofing technique.
However, he stressed that this does not involve intrusion or hacking of the country’s telco network systems.
“So far, there have been no official reports or information indicating the involvement of insiders from telecommunications companies working with the syndicates,” he said.
He added that the syndicates operate using certain call technologies, including overseas platforms that allow numbers to be manipulated without the consent of the actual owner.
“As such, the public is reminded to always remain vigilant and not to easily trust any calls requesting personal or financial information or payment instructions.
“Verification should be made directly with the relevant agency or institution through official channels,” he said.
He revealed that throughout last year, a total of 1,504 individuals were arrested to assist in investigations and prosecutions.
He added that the Commercial Crime Investigation Department will continue to strengthen strategic cooperation with telecommunications companies and related agencies to detect, block and take firm action against these scam syndicates in order to protect the public interest.
“Phone numbers identified as being used by scam syndicates will be submitted to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission for further action.
“The public is also encouraged to check suspicious phone numbers, bank accounts and company names through the official portal at semakmule.rmp.gov.my,” he said.
