Imagine getting a call from your bank or a government agency. The caller knows your private data; your full name, phone number, and even your home address. They sound convincing, and before you know it, you’ve shared more details, and just like that, you’ve been scammed.
According to Whoscall 2024, Malaysia now has the highest data breach rate in Asia. In 2024 alone, scams led to RM1.57 billion in financial losses, a shocking increase from the previous year. Cybercriminals are using leaked personal data to create more believable scams, making it harder for victims to tell real from fake.
The Extent of Malaysia’s Data Leak
A worrying 72.5% of Malaysians who checked their data on Whoscall found their personal information compromised. The most common details exposed were full names (89%), phone numbers (98%), and home addresses and emails. With this information, scammers can easily impersonate banks, delivery services, and even government officials.
Scammers are also using AI-generated deepfake videos to pose as public figures, like politicians or business leaders, to promote fake investments. These tricks are so convincing that even tech-savvy individuals are falling for them.
Scam Calls Skyrocket by 82.81%
Phone scams have surged by 82.81% in just one year. Fraudsters call pretending to be from banks, warning victims of suspicious transactions. Using leaked personal details, they sound legitimate and pressure victims into transferring money or sharing one-time passwords (OTPs). Some even use caller ID spoofing to make their number appear as an official hotline.
According to Dato’ Sri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, from the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK) at Bukit Aman:
“AI-driven scams are getting harder to detect. Elderly individuals, especially those with significant savings, are a prime target.”
Scammers prey on fear and urgency, making their calls sound urgent and legitimate. Many victims only realize they’ve been scammed after their money disappears.
Most Common Scams in 2024
Scammers have refined their tactics, making their fraud attempts more believable. The most reported scams include:
- Banking and Debt Collection Scams (25.15%) – Scammers pretend to be from banks, warning victims of suspicious transactions and tricking them into handing over personal banking details.
- SMS Gambling and Investment Scams (45.16%) – Fake investment schemes promise high returns but result in victims losing their savings.
- Phishing and Fake Websites (16.56%) – Scammers create fake banking or e-commerce websites to steal passwords and financial data.
How to Protect Yourself
- With scams becoming more sophisticated, it is essential to stay alert and take proactive measures to safeguard personal information. One of the first steps is to avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, especially those claiming to be from banks or government agencies. If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide any personal information. Instead, contact the organization directly using its official number to verify if the call was legitimate.
- Using scam-detection apps can help block fraudulent calls and provide real-time alerts about known scam numbers. Additionally, these apps allow users to check if their data has been leaked, enabling them to take action before they become a target.
- Phishing scams are another major concern, as scammers often disguise themselves as trusted institutions through text messages or emails. It is crucial never to click on links in unsolicited messages, even if they appear to be from a bank or government agency. These links often lead to fake websites designed to steal login credentials or financial information.
- To further enhance security, updating passwords regularly is highly recommended. Strong, unique passwords for different accounts reduce the risk of hackers gaining access to multiple platforms. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that even if scammers obtain a password, they cannot access accounts without the second verification step.
Take Action Now
Scams are getting smarter, but you can stay ahead. By staying informed, using security tools, and being cautious with personal information, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud.
As scammers continue to develop new tactics, taking action today can prevent financial losses and safeguard personal data. Share this information with family and friends to help them stay protected from cyber scams.
Source: here
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