Online fraud in Melaka has claimed over RM66 million this year, with professionals now among the main targets of increasingly sophisticated schemes.
MELAKA: Online fraud cases in Melaka have caused losses exceeding RM65.9 million from 1,976 reported cases this year.
State Deputy Exco for Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communications Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem revealed the worrying trend.
He noted a significant shift in victim profiles, with professionals now being targeted.
Doctors, bank officers, managers, lawyers and teachers are among those falling prey to scams.
The scams involve various methods, including investment fraud, love scams and fake lucky draws.
Mohd Noor Helmy said syndicates use increasingly sophisticated and interconnected tactics.
“We hope the public will be more aware and avoid making hasty decisions,” he said.
His comments came after officiating the SWM Kasih Back-to-School Programme at SK Duyong.
Authorities have made 1,229 arrests involving 740 charges so far this year.
The total losses are approaching the RM72 million recorded throughout the entire previous year.
Mohd Noor Helmy also expressed concern over children and teenagers being ensnared.
He cited a case where an eight-year-old used a parent’s debit card without permission.
In a severe case, a 17-year-old student in Melaka lost RM300,000 to a lucky draw scam.
The fraud escalated to using savings, family debit cards and pawning jewellery.
“This issue proves that technology control alone is not enough without close parental monitoring,” he said.
He stressed that the most important control begins at home.
Parents must be alert to their children’s behaviour and not take social media use lightly.
The government can enact laws, but family education on digital risks is crucial.
