Latest news with #phone scams
Malay Mail
22-07-2025
- Malay Mail
Online fraud surge: Terengganu police warn of rising scams after RM17.9m in losses in first half of 2025
KUALA TERENGGANU, July 22 — Terengganu police recorded 940 cases of online fraud involving losses amounting to RM17.9 million from January to June this year. State police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairuddin said the highest losses were from phone scams, which accounted for RM7.68 million, followed by non-existent investment schemes (RM5.47 million), online purchase frauds (RM1.95 million), and parcel scams (RM1.57 million). 'There were also cases of cybercrime or money siphoned out from accounts (RM501,583.34), loan scams (RM470,907.91), love scams (RM260,200), and Ah Long (illegal moneylender) frauds totalling RM2,960,' he said after the handover ceremony of case items by the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department at the Terengganu Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK) today. Mohd Khairi also revealed that the most recent case involved a former employee of an oil exploration company who lost RM892,000 to a phone scam syndicate. He said on Dec 31 last year, the 56-year-old male victim was contacted by suspects posing as a representative of the online sales platform Shopee and a police officer from the Penang IPK, alleging that he was involved in money laundering and drug trafficking. 'Panicked by the accusation, the victim made 10 transactions to seven different accounts between Jan 7 and Feb 10, using his retirement savings and Employees Provident Fund to 'clear' his name,' said Mohd Khairi, adding that the victim lodged a report yesterday. He urged the public to remain vigilant against fraud syndicate tactics that target victims regardless of age or social background. — Bernama
South China Morning Post
17-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's fight against SIM card fraud must still preserve rights
Smartphones are in nearly every pocket in Hong Kong. More than 95 per cent of people above the age of 10 have them, according to one recent estimate. The city has one of Asia's highest penetration rates for the devices, and many Hongkongers have multiple lines. But the city is also fighting rising phone scams, prompting authorities to propose lowering the maximum number of prepaid SIM cards a user can register with one of the 29 telecommunications service providers in the city from 10 to just three In a paper submitted to the Legislative Council, the government also called for new penalties for misuse of SIM cards under the Telecommunications Ordinance. HK$25,000 (US$3,185) fines and up to a year in prison await those who improperly use cards registered under another person's information without authorisation. Holding 10 or more cards registered under other people's information without authorisation or reasonable justification would also be considered an offence, with users presumed to have the intention of engaging in criminal activities. Some lawmakers have already called for even tighter restrictions. On Monday, a Legco panel discussion noted that a quota of three would allow users to register up to 87 SIM cards if they used each of the city's 29 telecoms service providers. One suggestion is to limit users to four telecoms companies for a maximum of 12 prepaid cards. Industry representatives have justified the practice in cases where companies get cards for staff or where multiple lines are needed for systems testing. Loss of privacy with tightened laws is also a legitimate concern. Currently, there is no upper limit on the number of registrable service plan cards which involve monthly payments. Since September 2021, the city has required real-name SIM card registration for all users. As of May, more than 4.8 million prepaid cards were rejected for lack of such information. The figures indicate a cause for concern. With telecoms fraud so widespread, there are understandable calls for action. Laws to curb SIM card fraud are worth pursuing as long as rules and enforcement are balanced to safeguard rights, including individual privacy.
