KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 — A staggering 76% of Malaysians have fallen prey to scams at some point, a recent Ipsos survey reveals. This alarming statistic underscores a growing epidemic of digital fraud in the country. In the past three months alone, over half of the respondents reported encountering scams, with the numbers only increasing as the timeframe shortens.
Preferred Platforms for Perpetrators
The study, titled “Scams in Malaysia,” surveyed 1,000 individuals, uncovering that phone calls and WhatsApp are the primary channels used by scammers. Of the 762 participants, 56% were targeted via phone calls, while 54% encountered scams on WhatsApp. Other platforms like Facebook, Telegram, and SMS texts were also used, albeit less frequently.
Victims’ Response: A Silent Minority
A concerning insight from the Ipsos report is the reluctance of victims to seek help. Less than half of the 657 people who realized they were scammed reported the incident to authorities. This silent minority reflects a gap in the fight against digital fraud.
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Reporting to Authorities: A Breakdown
When scams were reported, the police were the most approached authority, with 62% of the 376 respondents seeking their help. Other agencies like the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, CyberSecurity Malaysia, and Bank Negara Malaysia received fewer reports.
Kuan Sawu Fang’s Analysis
Kuan Sawu Fang, Ipsos Malaysia’s country service line leader, expressed concern over the widespread impact of scams, particularly their financial harm. She emphasized the need for a proactive, multifaceted approach to combat this digital menace. While law enforcement plays a crucial role, educating the public and implementing advanced digital safeguards are equally vital.
Government’s Response: A Ray of Hope
The Malaysian government’s increased funding for the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) is a positive development. This move signals a commitment to proactive measures against the rising tide of digital scams.
A Call for Collective Action
The Ipsos survey paints a grim picture of the scam landscape in Malaysia, calling for heightened vigilance and decisive action from both the government and the public. As digital fraud evolves, so must our strategies to combat it, ensuring economic and personal security in the digital age.
