In 2023, a nationwide total of 34,497 online scam cases, resulting in losses amounting to RM1.218 billion, were reported.
Bernama reports that Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah highlighted that telecommunications crime, including SMS contest scams, online impersonation scams, and phone call scams, accounted for a significant portion, with 10,348 cases leading to losses totalling RM352.9 million.
He emphasised the National Scam Response Centre’s (NSRC) pivotal role in swiftly addressing online crime scams. Throughout 2023, NSRC received 6,434 calls resulting in opened investigation papers, involving losses of RM105.4 million.
Notably, RM17,536,372.30 was successfully prevented from withdrawal by perpetrators, and RM178,407.93 in seized funds was returned to victims.
Dr Shamsul also mentioned there were a total of 1,610 exhibitions and 3,727 talks in 2023 to enhance public awareness regarding scams.
