KUALA LUMPUR: Online fraud involving e-finance crimes, love scams, e-commerce, telecommunications, loans and non-existent investments increased between 1.6% and 19.8% in the first quarter of the year, compared with the last quarter of 2024.
Acting Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Deputy Comm Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa said losses amounting to RM573.7mil involving 12,110 cases were recorded between January and March this year.
“E-commerce crime cases recorded the highest increase of 19.8% with 2,535 cases, followed by telecommunications crime at 17.1% involving 5,214 cases.
“The highest increase recorded in the e-commerce crime category is closely linked to the increase in online purchasing activities by consumers, especially in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration,” DCP Rohaimi said.
Although the overall number of online fraud cases recorded an increase, he said, total losses involving e-finance crimes, love scams, e-commerce crimes and non-existent loans decreased between 1.8% and 24.8%.
However, he said, there was an increase in losses for telecommunications fraud and non-existent investments of 2.1% involving RM159.2mil and 20.2% involving RM357.7mil respectively.
DCP Rohaimi said rapid advancements in technology and today’s lifestyle are being exploited by criminals by generating fake digital identities, fake websites, automated conversations (chatbots) and deepfake technology to deceive victims.
“Generative artificial intelligence also allows the creation of content that appears authentic and convincing, thus making it difficult for users to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent communications.”
DCP Rohaimi advised the public to always be vigilant when conducting business online by conducting background checks on individuals or entities involved and avoiding disclosing personal information arbitrarily.
Users are also encouraged to refer to official sources, such as the police’s SemakMule portal, before making any financial transactions digitally.