Penang: Penang police recorded 7,852 cases of online fraud, with losses amounting to RM312.86 million, from 2022 to last year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang deputy police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin highlighted that telecommunications-related scams were the most prevalent, with 2,938 cases resulting in RM101.5 million in losses. E-commerce fraud followed closely behind, recording 2,204 cases and causing RM34.3 million in losses. Notably, non-existent investment scams saw a significant increase, with 1,242 cases resulting in the highest losses at RM126.8 million.

Mohd Alwi noted that the overall rise in online crime in the state is indicative of scammers’ evolving tactics and their increasing financial impact on victims. He shared these insights with reporters during the launch of the “Elak Kena Scam” QR Code Scam Awareness campaign, organised by the Penang branch of the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) in collaboration with the Penang Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). State MCPF chairman Datuk Seri Ong Poh Eng was also present at the event.

On average, seven online scams were reported daily last year, with victims losing an estimated RM36,164 each, Mohd Alwi stated. He stressed the importance of awareness campaigns like QR Code Scam Awareness in combating this growing issue.

Victims of online fraud span various professions, including lecturers, teachers, and factory workers. Many non-existent investment scams lure victims with promises of high returns. Mohd Alwi emphasized the campaign’s educational value, featuring easy-to-understand infographics aimed at helping the public avoid falling prey to fraud.

The initiative’s QR code can be easily accessed, downloaded, and used anywhere, providing valuable information to the public and aiming to significantly raise awareness about online fraud prevention.