Telcos in Malaysia will ban the sending and receiving of personal data and phone numbers via text messages (SMS) starting 2 July.
The move is in response to the government’s crackdown on online fraud. The personal information prohibited from being sent includes bank information and ID card numbers.
This follows the blocking of sending any URL links via SMS since 2 May, under the direction of the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
According to the FAQ on Digi’s official website, the above measures are valid even when the user is abroad or roaming.
Users will also not be charged anything for blocked text messages.
Telcos Recommend Sending Links Through Social Media Or Other Platforms
Digi pointed out that this measure cannot eliminate fraudulent text messages, and users must still be cautious.
As for whether users can share messages with personal information, phone numbers, and URL links with family members or friends, Digi pointed out that users can share this information through phone calls or other platforms.
Digi also reminded users not to click on messages from strangers or suspicious persons and not to respond and share personal information.
Meanwhile, Maxis recommends sending links through social media or other communication platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, or WeChat.
Users Cautioned To Be Vigilant Against Fraudulent Text Messages
SMS contribute to fraud and scams because scammers use text messages to trick people into giving away their personal information, such as passwords and account numbers.
This is known as smishing, a common phishing scam through SMS messages.
Scammers also use malicious code installed on computers to redirect people to fake websites, known as pharming.
Scammers use spoofing to make it appear that the message is from a legitimate source.
This can make it difficult for people to identify fraudulent messages.
There are some good suggestions here, though I have a different take.
— Ooi Beng Cheang (@luxentX) September 19, 2022
1. MCMC's spoofing call taskforce should do more to blacklist VOIP companies that are used by scammers. Right now, scammers subscribe to their services and spoof phone calls of government agencies. https://t.co/gX1x2U1sqB
READ MORE: Man Loses RM4,600 After Clicking SMS Link, Scammers Use Barisan Nasional’s Name To Steal
