MCMC said it discovered that irresponsible parties have manipulated the ‘GOV’ SMS ID for scams. SMSes from GOV are meant for public service announcements related to initiatives by ministries and government agencies. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said it has blocked access to a fake website set up by scammers to steal personal information from MySejahtera users.
In a statement today (Aug 5), MCMC urged members of the public to ignore SMSes claiming to be from the app that contain details about Covid-19 financial aid purportedly being credited to their Touch ‘n Go ewallet.
ALSO READ: PDRM issues alert on fake MySejahtera SMS promising Covid-19 financial assistance
The SMS, which was sent to some users under the “GOV” SMS ID, has a link to a fake Touch ‘n Go website where they will be asked to provide details such as their phone number and account PINs.
MCMC said it discovered that irresponsible parties had manipulated the “GOV” SMS ID for scams, adding that SMSes from “GOV” are meant for public service announcements related to initiatives by ministries and government agencies.
ALSO READ: TNB warns of SMS scam offering fake blackout compensation
The commission added that individuals found to have shared fake information can be subjected to legal action under Section 505 of the Penal Code and Section 223 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (AKM) 1998.
Both MySejahtera and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have also previously issued alerts to warn members of the public about the SMS scam.
The scam has thus far cost three victims losses amounting to RM4,550. In a report on Aug 3, Kuala Lumpur police chief Comm Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim said the victims had filled in their personal details on a website which they accessed through the link. The SMS promised them special Covid-19 assistance of RM500.
After doing so, Comm Azmi said they discovered that money had instead been deducted from their respective bank accounts.
Tenaga Nasional Berhad has also warned users to ignore SMSes promising fake financial compensation linked to the electricity blackout incident on July 27. It said users should not click on the link provided in the message despite the SMS being sent out from TNB’s own 15454 number.
