KUALA LUMPUR: MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong has warned the public against a scam syndicate allegedly using artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images of a fictitious "Datuk" to deceive victims through social media.
Chong said the case involved a woman allegedly operating social media accounts under the name "Dalton Xenia", portraying herself as a philanthropist actively involved in charitable work.
"She also calls herself Datuk Yang Xiao Ying. The way she wears medals and a sash makes her look like one," he said at a press conference on Thursday (Oct 29).
He said members of the public had approached him, Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) Melaka chairman Edison Chan and the Council of Federal Datuks Malaysia to verify the woman's identity.
"We found that there is no such person with the Datuk status as well," he said.
Chong said he believed the syndicate could be operated by foreigners as the woman claimed to be an ambassador of the "Malaysian Red Cross Charity".
"In Malaysia, we use the term Malaysian Red Crescent Society, not 'Red Cross'," he said.
"This syndicate has several pictures posted on social media showing herself with our Prime Minister at Parliament, Inspector-General of Police personnel and royal figures as well.
"At first, we thought it was simply a fake Datuk. After further investigation, we found that the images were AI-generated," he said.
Chong said the social media account portrayed the woman as a kind-hearted philanthropist who frequently engaged in charitable activities and helped those in need.
He said the account also featured screenshots and testimonials purportedly from individuals thanking her for helping them earn substantial returns through investment schemes.
Some posts allegedly claimed that participants had received winnings and investment returns exceeding RM3.2bil, which were used to convince others to join the schemes, he added.
Chong urged the public to remain vigilant.
Chan meanwhile urged the Royal Malaysia Police and relevant authorities to investigate the allegations, including the authenticity of certificates displayed online, the use of official images, the parties operating the social media accounts and any related financial transactions.
"Malaysians should not be easily influenced by honorary titles, certificates, luxurious lifestyles, photographs with VIPs or promises of extraordinary investment returns," Chan said.
Also present was Council of Federal Datuks Malaysia legal affairs deputy head Datuk Joy Appukuttan, who advised the public to verify honorary titles through official government and council portals.
