By MIKE PAUL
PUTRAJAYA, Nov 14 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has warned the public against an MCMC scam in which callers pose as its officers, after police detained 61 suspects linked to fraud syndicates operating out of Seri Kembangan, Selangor.
In a statement today, the commission said it views seriously any misuse of its officers’ names and identities to deceive the public, noting that such fraud could threaten public safety and erode trust.
MCMC said it would cooperate fully with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in the ongoing investigation, including by sharing relevant information.
Three syndicates, 61 suspects
The arrests were made on Nov 3 in three separate raids on residential premises in Seri Kembangan, according to Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa.
Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, he said those detained comprised 15 Malaysians, 45 Indonesians and one Chinese national.
Police believe two of the syndicates targeted victims in Indonesia with fake part-time job offers built around simple “like and share” tasks, promoted online and followed up via WhatsApp. Victims were allegedly told to transfer money into mule accounts before they could collect the promised commissions.
The third syndicate is suspected of targeting Malaysians through phone calls in which its members claimed to be MCMC officers.
Police seized 144 items worth an estimated RM80,000, including computers, laptops, mobile phones, routers, modems and scripts allegedly used by the syndicates.
Comm Rusdi said further action against the suspects was ongoing, including possible action under immigration laws after their remand orders expired on Nov 10. All three cases are being investigated under Sections 420 and 120B of the Penal Code for cheating and criminal conspiracy.
A familiar script
The case is the latest involving fraudsters who borrow the authority of a government agency to pressure their targets.
Last month, Kuching police reported that a 61-year-old woman lost RM192,000 after callers posing as MCMC and police representatives persuaded her to transfer money, promising that it would later be returned to her.
Concerns over phone and online fraud are not new. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has previously raised alarm over the scale of losses Malaysians suffer to scams, while Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has urged the public to embrace technology without letting their guard down.
What the public should do
MCMC advised the public to stay alert when receiving calls or messages from anyone claiming to be its officers, and to verify such claims through official channels before sharing personal information or making any financial transaction.
Police also urged the public to be wary of unsolicited calls, messages and job offers, especially those that demand payment upfront.
Anyone who believes they have been scammed should call the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 immediately and lodge a police report. Bank account and phone numbers used in suspicious requests can also be checked through PDRM’s Semak Mule portal before any money is transferred.
– TNS News