With the increase in online transactions during Ramadan and Syawal, scammers are going all out to exploit the festive spirit.
By staying informed and practising safe online habits, Malaysians can enjoy a festive and fraud-free Raya. (Envato Elements pic)
KUALA LUMPUR:
As Malaysians prepare to celebrate Aidilfitri, cybercriminals are also getting ready – to target unsuspecting victims through online scams. Last year alone, 871 online fraud cases were recorded during the Raya period, resulting in losses exceeding RM37.2 million.
With the increase in online transactions during Ramadan and Syawal, scammers are exploiting the festive spirit through efforts such as fake job offers, donation scams, phishing attacks, and fraudulent investment schemes.
Concerningly, cybercriminals are now leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance their tactics. AI is being used to generate highly convincing phishing emails, automate malware creation, and bypass security defences at an alarming rate.
Indeed, AI-driven ransomware simulations have shown that cyberattacks can now happen up to 100 times faster than before, making it more critical than ever to stay alert and informed.
Common scams during Hari Raya include:
- Deepfakes
Scammers use deepfake technology to impersonate well-known public figures, making fraudulent schemes more convincing. Videos or audio clips are manipulated to appear as though they are from celebrities, government officials, or bank representatives.
These deepfaked voices may urge victims to donate to fake charities, invest in fraudulent schemes, or share sensitive information. Always verify unusual requests from public figures through official channels before taking action.
- Travel ticket fraud
Many Malaysians book flights and bus tickets to return to their hometowns during Raya, creating opportunities for scammers. Fraudsters create fake travel websites or offer heavily discounted tickets through social media. Victims often realise too late that their bookings are fake.
Some 118 million Class-1 vehicles were recorded using highways over a six-day period during each major celebration last year, highlighting the scale of festive travel. (Bernama pic)
To stay safe, always book tickets through verified airline and bus company websites, and avoid making payments through unofficial channels.
- Counterfeit shopping deals
Scammers take advantage of the festive season by offering fake “Hari Raya discounts” on nonexistent or counterfeit products. Victims make payments but never receive their orders.
To avoid this, shop only from reputable e-commerce platforms, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
How to protect yourself
It is crucial to stay vigilant. Never share your OTP or SecureTAC with anyone, and be wary of unexpected messages or calls requesting personal information.
Always verify the legitimacy of online sellers and charities before making payments or donations. Avoid downloading applications from unknown sources, as they may contain hidden malware.
By staying informed and practising safe online habits, Malaysians can enjoy a festive and fraud-free Raya celebration.
2025-03-27T07:22:00Z
Source: freemalaysiatoday