By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 14: Online scams cost victims in Miri approximately RM18 million in the first nine months of this year, with 673 cases reported from January to September.
According to a TVS news report, in 2025, a total of 727 online scam cases were recorded, with losses amounting to RM32 million.
Miri District police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said these figures showed that online scams remained a threat to the public, affecting victims from various backgrounds and age groups.
“From January to September this year, a total of 673 cases were reported, involving losses of approximately RM18 million,” he said in an interview with TVS.
Vehicle sale scams on social media, online loan scams, fraudulent investment schemes, part-time job offers and face-to-face scams were common tactics targeting members of the public, particularly senior citizens, he said.
He said scammers employed various tactics to deceive victims, including promising high returns within a short period, demanding upfront payments and impersonating government officials to frighten victims into acting quickly.
Mohd Farhan urged the public to exercise greater caution when receiving online offers, especially when it involves money, personal information or links from unknown sources.
He also advised the public not to panic when receiving suspicious calls from individuals claiming they were involved in criminal cases or had problems with their bank accounts.
“Scammers are skilled at using psychological tactics. They want us to make decisions immediately, so do not rush into making a decision. Take some time and consult your family to ensure that you do not make the wrong decision,” he added.
The public was also advised to check suspicious phone numbers and bank accounts through the Semak Mule portal and consult family members before making financial decisions. – DayakDaily
