Last year, in Perak, a total of 2,447 cases of online fraud were reported, resulting in losses amounting to RM77.86 million. Among these cases, there were 419 instances of online phone scams, leading to a total loss of RM17,695,347.31. Additionally, the Perak police investigated 226 cases of telephone scams involving courier companies, with losses reaching RM8,685,006.57.
Within the total number of cases, there were specifically 96 instances of telephone fraud where scammers posed as Pos Malaysia couriers, resulting in losses of RM3,785,932.05. Perak police chief Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri provided these details to reporters during the launch of the Commercial Crime Prevention Programme in Ipoh on March 26.
Mohd Yusri mentioned that various initiatives have been put in place by the police to combat online fraud, including the Semak Mule portal service and the establishment of a social media platform to keep the public informed about the latest fraud cases. Starting from January of the previous year, the Perak Commercial Crime Investigation Department and Pos Malaysia Berhad have been collaborating to prevent fraud, as scammers often target victims using courier services due to their strong connections with the public and widespread business.
The programme launched was aimed at spreading awareness and providing tips on how to avoid falling victim to online scams by utilizing manpower, logistics, and existing communication channels. Measures like distributing leaflets on telephone scam prevention to Pos Malaysia Berhad customers and the general public in Perak through the postal service will be continued as part of the efforts to combat fraud. – Bernama
