Abstract：Malaysia is facing a sharp escalation in online scam activities, with reported losses reaching RM2.7 billion between January and November, driven by increasingly sophisticated and well-organised fraud schemes. Official data shows a significant rise in cases compared to the previous year, while experts warn that the true economic impact may be far greater due to widespread underreporting.
Malaysia has been hit by a sharp rise in increasingly sophisticated online scams this year, with reported losses reaching RM2.7 billion between January and November. Figures from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and its Commercial Crime Investigation Department show more than 67,700 online crime cases were recorded during the period, a significant jump from the RM1.6 billion reported in 2024. Experts caution that the real figure could be far higher, as many victims choose not to report their losses, with some estimates suggesting total damages could be as high as RM54 billion, or about 3% of the countrys GDP.
Young adults aged between 21 and 30 appear to be the most affected group, according to data from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance. Beyond financial damage, the emotional toll has been severe, with nearly two-thirds of victims reporting serious mental distress after falling prey to scams. Authorities have stepped up enforcement, arresting more than 2,100 suspects and seizing RM11.6 million in assets so far. At the same time, more than 800 Malaysians have been detained overseas after being linked to scam operations tied to forced labour networks in places such as Myanmar and Cambodia.
Telecommunications-related scams remain the most common, accounting for the highest number of cases. These include Macau scams, voice phishing and impersonation schemes, where scammers pose as officers from PDRM, Bank Negara Malaysia or even health authorities. Nearly 28,700 such cases were recorded, with losses amounting to about RM715 million. More recently, authorities have also seen a rise in scams powered by artificial intelligence, including deepfake videos and voice cloning. Although these cases are fewer in number, they highlight how fast scam tactics are evolving and how convincing they can appear to unsuspecting victims.
Investment scams have caused the greatest financial damage, contributing RM1.37 billion in losses across more than 9,000 cases, making up over half of Malaysias total scam-related losses. One of the most high-profile cases involved the collapse of the MBI International Group Ponzi scheme, which defrauded victims in Malaysia and China. Under a major enforcement operation, authorities seized assets worth billions of ringgits, including properties, luxury vehicles, businesses and plantations. Joint investigations with foreign agencies have also helped recover large sums and identify hundreds of suspects.
What ties all these cases together is how polished and convincing modern scams have become. Social media remains the main hunting ground for fraudsters because of its wide reach and low cost. By using professional-looking advertisements, official-sounding language and direct messages, scammers can create urgency and trust, even when no real investment or opportunity exists. For authorities, the challenge is no longer just enforcement but keeping pace with criminals who are constantly adapting their methods to stay one step ahead.
