Experts call for targeted, face-to-face scam seminars for senior citizens as Macau and love scams increasingly target this vulnerable group.
PETALING JAYA: Experts believe Malaysia needs targeted, face-to-face scam awareness seminars for senior citizens to better protect this increasingly vulnerable group.
An expert told theSun that the elderly were not falling for scams because they were weak, but because they grew up in an era built on trust, a trait now exploited by sophisticated fraudsters.
Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association president Sirajuddin Jalil said the country should introduce scam awareness programmes for the elderly, similar to Singapore’s model, as police data show a sharp increase in love and Macau scams involving seniors.
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“A more hands-on, simulation-based educational approach is urgently needed to ensure preventive messages are effectively understood by this group,” he said.
Among the most common scams targeting senior citizens are:
- love scams that exploit emotional connections to deceive victims into transferring money;
- Macau scams involving impersonation of police officers, bank staff or court officials;
- fraudulent investment or cryptocurrency schemes promising unrealistic returns; and
- parcel and Customs scams using fake automated messages on WhatsApp.
Sirajuddin added that Macau scams have recently evolved to include physical intimidation, with criminals sending individuals posing as officials to reinforce instructions given over the phone.
“This physical engagement adds psychological pressure and makes elderly victims more susceptible, especially when they are in a state of panic or confusion,” he said.
Although the National Scam Response Centre and the SemakMule portal exist, he said their impact among seniors remains limited as many do not use official digital channels and tend to trust face-to-face communication more.
“Preventive education must be delivered through community-based channels rather than relying solely on social media or official websites,” he said.
He proposed a national programme similar to a “Senior Cyber Ambassador” initiative, in which trained community volunteers deliver scam prevention talks at mosques, temples, community halls and health centres.
These sessions could include real-life scam call simulations, reporting cases using the 997 hotline and standardised modules to ensure consistent messaging nationwide.
Sirajuddin also called for the National Anti-Scam Roadshow to be expanded and made a core module for community leaders, including village heads, mosque and surau committees, resident associations and senior citizen activity centres.
He said face-to-face workshops are the most effective for seniors, although digital modules could serve as helpful supplements when supported by family members or caregivers.
“A hybrid approach that combines physical workshops with light digital content, such as short videos, infographics and simple guides, could further enhance the effectiveness of these programmes,” he said.
A retired senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the rising number of elderly victims has strengthened calls for more regular awareness seminars and community workshops to help seniors recognise and avoid scams.
He added that ignorance remains a key factor in scam cases and many victims were lured by promises of unusually high investment returns.
“Malaysia has long conducted anti-scam efforts through broadcasts, carnivals and community engagement sessions, although these are not always specifically targeted at senior citizens.”
He encouraged continued collaboration between authorities and NGOs to reach at-risk groups, adding that public awareness is crucial to preventing losses.
“Everyone, especially media content providers, should play a role to instil knowledge.
“Malaysians must also know their rights and not be gullible when (receiving instructions during) phone calls,” he said.
While awareness among the elderly has improved compared with previous years, he believes more frequent scam seminars would further strengthen understanding.
“Such programmes should be held more regularly with other stakeholders, including community and resident associations as well as local councils,” he added.
