KUCHING: The Sarawak Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) has recorded fewer scams in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said a total of 597 scam cases involving losses amounting to RM28.6 million, were recorded from Jan 1 to Mar 23 this year.
This showed a decline compared to last year’s figure in the same period, which saw 739 cases with losses totalling RM31.2 million.
“The number of cases showed a decrease of 142 cases or 19.21 per cent. As for the losses, it decreased by RM2.6 million or 8.33 per cent.
“The cases that involve the most victims and losses in Sarawak are e-commerce with 154 cases and RM1.4 million in losses; investments with 58 cases and RM11.1 million in losses; non-existent loans with 55 cases and RM432,000 in losses; criminal breach of trust with 46 cases and RM7.4 million in losses; and phone scam with 40 cases and RM2.7 million in losses,” he said here yesterday (Apr 30).
In the same period, police arrested 244 individuals for involvement in commercial crimes.
He stated that 374 individuals (including cases from previous year) were charged in court, involving 361 investigation papers.
Mancha urged the public to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) on 997 to report suspicious activities and block transactions that occur within 24 hours.
“They should also download the ‘Whoscall’ app via Google Play Store or Apple Store, which help them to decide whether to answer an unknown phone call or not.
“In addition, they can also verify suspect’s phone number and bank account through the Check Scammers CCID app at semakmule.rmp.gov.my, and to check the legitimacy of individual or company investors via the investment checkers application on the sc.com.my investment-checker website.
The public can follow the CCID’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to stay informed about the latest scam tactics used by scammers.
