A WHOPPING RM162 million in losses due to telecommunications fraud was recorded last year, despite a dip in cases.

Communications and Multimedia Ministry Secretary-General Dr Ali Mohamad Nor said there were 3,816 cases last year.

“What worries us is that the amount of money involved in the scams are increasing, despite the number of cases dropping,” he said in Putrajaya today.

“As of October 2018, 8,313 cases of telecommunications fraud were reported. In 2017, there were a total of 10,203 cases.

“The losses amounted to RM162 million last year. In 2017, it was just RM65 million.

“The gap is huge… even though we have conducted numerous campaigns to educate the public on online scams.

“As for e-finance fraud, involving non-existent loans, there were only 286 cases in 2018 compared with the previous year’s 513.

“Losses from e-finance fraud totalled RM37 million last year, while in 2017, it was RM32 million. This is another example where the number of cases dropped, but losses increased.”

He listed four types of scams that were the main contributors to the losses.

“The most dangerous scams are telecommunications fraud, the Macau Scam, e-finance fraud and the 419 scam, also known as the African Scam.

“We’ve held campaigns to educate the public, we have provided them with information on the different scams and how not to get duped, but the problem continues.”

Ali said the ministry and police have identified groups that are prone to being tricked by syndicates.

“They are retirees, middle-class folk, businesswomen, and high school and university students.

“The ministry, with the help of police and other agencies, will focus on them in efforts to spread information, to prevent them from falling victim.

“Since October 2018, we have run articles, TV and radio slots, video promos, posters and highway billboards to increase awareness.”

Asked if such campaigns have failed, given the increase in losses recorded, he said the figure would have been higher if not for the ministry’s efforts.

“I am aware of the huge losses, despite our endless efforts. But the number would be higher if not for these efforts.” – March 7, 2019.