Latest news with #RM519.9
New Straits Times
25-04-2025
- New Straits Times
Not all QR codes are safe, Kaspersky warns
SINGAPORE: The usage of quick response (QR) codes among Malaysians has become the new normal — from banking services and exchanging contacts to ordering food. However, with the rise in QR code usage, cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has cautioned Malaysians to remain vigilant against a growing threat: QR scams. According to Kaspersky's lead security researcher Noushin Shabab, QR scams are a new form of cyber threat in which attackers generate malicious QR codes that compromise users' cyber safety. "QR scams happen when a code is turned into a malicious one, potentially stealing users' information or money, or causing other complications that jeopardise their safety. "With increased usage of QR codes in Malaysia, more attackers are seeing this as an opportunity to exploit," she said in an interview with Bernama at GITEX Asia 2025, Marina Bay Sands today. According to the DataReportal Digital 2025 Global Overview Report, Malaysia ranks second after China in QR code usage, with 66.1 per cent of the population actively using them. Noushin explained that QR scams often involve attackers replacing legitimate QR codes in public places with malicious ones, tricking unsuspecting users into scanning them. "These malicious QR codes are usually placed over original ones on billboards or posters and redirect victims to an attacker's website," she said. Meanwhile, Kaspersky's security evangelist Oleg Gorobets said users can protect themselves by installing certified security software on their phones that can detect suspicious activity, including malicious QR codes. "Attackers use different algorithms to mimic the original website's structure, redirecting users to a fake one. A good security solution will detect and block this threat," he said. Additionally, Noushin advised users to take extra precautions when scanning QR codes in public spaces and to always verify the source. "For example, if there's a random QR sticker on a billboard or wall — that's not safe. "Or if someone you just met offers a QR code to connect with them — that's also a red flag. Know the source. Ask where it came from, why it's there, and what it leads to before scanning," she said. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department recently reported 12,110 cases of online fraud or scams nationwide in the first quarter of 2025, involving RM573.7 million in losses versus 10,715 cases valued at RM519.9 million in October-December 2024. – Bernama
New Straits Times
24-04-2025
- New Straits Times
Online scams cost Malaysians over RM500mil in just three months
KUALA BERANG: Police recorded 12,110 cases of online fraud or scam throughout the country in the first three months of this year, involving losses of RM573.7 million. Federal police Commercial Crime Investigation Department acting director, Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa said the number of cases from January to March showed an increase compared to the last three months of last year, namely October to December, which recorded 10,715 cases involving losses of RM519.9 million. "In Terengganu, 1,251 cases of online fraud with a loss value of RM35.7 million were recorded throughout 2024, compared to only 1,139 cases (loss value of RM24 million) throughout 2023," he told reporters after conducting a working visit to the Ajil police station, here today. Rohaimi said online fraud crimes include telecommunications crimes, e-finance crimes, 'love scam', e-commerce crimes, non-existent loans, and non-existent investments. He said the increase in these cases was due, among other things, to the rapid development of technology and the shift in today's lifestyle which is focused on the use of online applications. In addition, he said the rapid development of information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) was also identified as a factor in the increase in online fraud cases. "Criminals are now also taking advantage of technology such as fake digital identity generators, fake websites, automated chatboxes, and 'deepfake' technology to deceive victims. "Generative AI also enables the creation of content that appears authentic and convincing, making it difficult for users to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent communications," he said. He advised the public to take preventive measures, such as avoiding suspicious links received via SMS, WhatsApp or Telegram, and refraining from sharing banking details with unknown individuals. – Bernama
The Sun
24-04-2025
- The Sun
Over 12,000 online fraud cases recorded in Q1 2025
KUALA BERANG: Police recorded 12,110 cases of online fraud or 'scam' throughout the country in the first three months of this year, involving losses of RM573.7 million. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department acting director, Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa said the number of cases from January to March showed an increase compared to the last three months of last year, namely October to December, which recorded 10,715 cases involving losses of RM519.9 million. 'In Terengganu, 1,251 cases of online fraud with a loss value of RM35.7 million were recorded throughout 2024, compared to only 1,139 cases (loss value of RM24 million) throughout 2023,' he told reporters after conducting a working visit to the Ajil police station, here today. Rohaimi said online fraud crimes include telecommunications crimes, e-finance crimes, 'love-scam', e-commerce crimes, non-existent loans, and non-existent investments. He said the increase in these cases was due, among other things, to the rapid development of technology and the shift in today's lifestyle which is focused on the use of online applications. In addition, he said the rapid development of information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) was also identified as a factor in the increase in online fraud cases. 'Criminals are now also taking advantage of technology such as fake digital identity generators, fake websites, automated chatboxes, and 'deepfake' technology to deceive victims. 'Generative AI also enables the creation of content that appears authentic and convincing, making it difficult for users to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent communications,' he said. He said in this regard, the public is advised to take preventive measures such as not clicking on any dubious links received through short messaging systems, WhatsApps, Telegram applications and so on, and not sharing banking information with unknown parties.
New Straits Times
24-04-2025
- New Straits Times
Online scams cost Malaysians RM573.7mil in just three months
KUALA BERANG: Police recorded 12,110 cases of online fraud or scam throughout the country in the first three months of this year, involving losses of RM573.7 million. Federal police Commercial Crime Investigation Department acting director, Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa said the number of cases from January to March showed an increase compared to the last three months of last year, namely October to December, which recorded 10,715 cases involving losses of RM519.9 million. "In Terengganu, 1,251 cases of online fraud with a loss value of RM35.7 million were recorded throughout 2024, compared to only 1,139 cases (loss value of RM24 million) throughout 2023," he told reporters after conducting a working visit to the Ajil police station, here today. Rohaimi said online fraud crimes include telecommunications crimes, e-finance crimes, 'love scam', e-commerce crimes, non-existent loans, and non-existent investments. He said the increase in these cases was due, among other things, to the rapid development of technology and the shift in today's lifestyle which is focused on the use of online applications. In addition, he said the rapid development of information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) was also identified as a factor in the increase in online fraud cases. "Criminals are now also taking advantage of technology such as fake digital identity generators, fake websites, automated chatboxes, and 'deepfake' technology to deceive victims. "Generative AI also enables the creation of content that appears authentic and convincing, making it difficult for users to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent communications," he said. He advised the public to take preventive measures, such as avoiding suspicious links received via SMS, WhatsApp or Telegram, and refraining from sharing banking details with unknown individuals. – Bernama
Malay Mail
24-04-2025
- Malay Mail
AI fuels scam surge: Over 12,000 online fraud cases in Q1 2025, losses near RM574m
KUALA BERANG, April 24 — Police recorded 12,110 cases of online fraud or 'scam' throughout the country in the first three months of this year, involving losses of RM573.7 million. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department acting director, Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa said the number of cases from January to March showed an increase compared to the last three months of last year, namely October to December, which recorded 10,715 cases involving losses of RM519.9 million. 'In Terengganu, 1,251 cases of online fraud with a loss value of RM35.7 million were recorded throughout 2024, compared to only 1,139 cases (loss value of RM24 million) throughout 2023,' he told reporters after conducting a working visit to the Ajil police station, here today. Rohaimi said online fraud crimes include telecommunications crimes, e-finance crimes, 'love-scam', e-commerce crimes, non-existent loans, and non-existent investments. He said the increase in these cases was due, among other things, to the rapid development of technology and the shift in today's lifestyle which is focused on the use of online applications. In addition, he said the rapid development of information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) was also identified as a factor in the increase in online fraud cases. 'Criminals are now also taking advantage of technology such as fake digital identity generators, fake websites, automated chatboxes, and 'deepfake' technology to deceive victims. 'Generative AI also enables the creation of content that appears authentic and convincing, making it difficult for users to distinguish between genuine and fraudulent communications,' he said. He said in this regard, the public is advised to take preventive measures such as not clicking on any dubious links received through short messaging systems, WhatsApps, Telegram applications and so on, and not sharing banking information with unknown parties. — Bernama
