CONSUMERS CAN AVOID BEING DECEIVED BY KNOWING HOW TO IDENTIFY SCAMS

CYBERJAYA, 5 DECEMBER 2017 – A telephone number is one of the most valuable personal data in the digital world today and criminals might use it to scam the public and commit fraud. Recently, various cases involving consumers who suffered losses of up to hundreds of thousands of ringgit have been exposed in the media and social media due to scams. As an industry forum tasked to empower the consumers, the Communications and Multimedia Consumer Forum of Malaysia (CFM) urges consumers to be more cautious when receiving suspicious calls and to be always aware of the scam techniques used by the syndicates.                                                          

The public should bear in mind that the main objective of these syndicates is to obtain personal banking details for them to defraud unsuspecting victims of their money. Their usual tactic is to gain the confidence of their potential victim by convincing that they represent banks or law-enforcement bodies. They would then intimidate and put fear in their potential victims by way of legal or financial threats and eventually influence the victims to share personal banking details that would allow them to withdraw the victims money from their bank accounts.

By using Caller ID Spoofing method where the scammers can manipulate the number appearing on the potential victims mobile phone, they will call a potential target and impersonate an officer to inform of their involvement in a criminal case, a legal suit, outstanding loans or credit card arrears where they will try to create a situation that causes the victim to become distressed and thus making the victim believe that the call is from a legitimate authority or agency.

“CFM advises consumers to be aware of the latest tactics used by scammers to deceive the public into becoming their victim. It is also very important for consumers to understand the implications of disclosing personal information arbitrarily to an unverified party. If you receive a suspicious call, CFM recommends consumers to contact the relevant institutions directly either by call to the official number or by going to their office in person to seek further clarification on the matter,” said CFM Chairman, Mohamad Yusrizal Dato’ Yusoff.

Below are CFM’s tips to avoid being a victim of fraud scam syndicates:

Additionally, consumers should take more proactive measures to secure their personal data from being targeted and exposed to fraud syndicates without having to stop their online activities altogether. Below are some tips from CFM:

For more information on fraud scam, watch CFM’s special interview in RTM’s “Suara Kita, Hak Kita” at the following link: https://goo.gl/GLSw9o

CFM is always committed towards prioritizing consumer rights in the communications and multimedia industry. CFM offers a one-stop platform for consumers to get the right information and tips related to communications and multimedia services. Consumers can also seek redress to unresolved complaints with their service providers by calling the CFM toll-free line at 1-800-18-2222 or email to [email protected].

#YourRightsOurPriority

#BeASmartConsumer

#TakeNote

#BeATechSavvyUser

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About CFM

The Communications and Multimedia Forum of Malaysia (CFM) was established and designated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in 2001 as an industry forum under Section 189 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA). It is a platform for the industry and the consumers/public to make coherent and constructive contributions to service improvements and policy developments.

CFM is tasked with, amongst others, to promote the growth of Malaysia’s communications and multimedia industry and the protection of consumer interests by fostering the highest standards of business ethics and behaviour through industry self-governance. CFM is also a channel for complaints redress on Communications and Multimedia services.

If there are any unresolved complaints regarding to communications and multimedia services, consumers are welcomed to submit complaints through:

For more information, please visit our website at consumerinfo.my

Media Contacts:

Noor Shahdiella Abd Manan               [email protected]                            019-3246036

Roharrashidah Abdul Halil                  [email protected]                      017-8961588

Nur Shazwani Zainudin                       [email protected]                             017-4012010