Malaysia

Young adults most targeted in Malaysia’s telecom fraud, authorities warn

Authorities have reported that individuals aged 21 to 30 have become the most frequent victims of telecommunications-related crimes this year, with nearly 9,000 cases recorded

Updated 8 months ago · Published on 21 Dec 2025 12:57PM

Young adults most targeted in Malaysia’s telecom fraud, authorities warn
Bukit Aman discloses that a total of 28,698 telecom fraud cases were reported nationwide during this period, resulting in losses amounting to RM715 million - December 21, 2025

YOUNG adults aged between 21 and 30 have emerged as the most affected group in Malaysia’s rising tide of telecommunications-related crimes, with 8,789 victims recorded from January to November this year.

The Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK) at Bukit Aman disclosed that a total of 28,698 telecom fraud cases were reported nationwide during this period, resulting in losses amounting to RM715 million.

“The 31 to 40-year-old age group recorded the second highest number of victims, totalling 6,825, followed by those aged 41 to 50 years with 4,977 victims,” JSJK said in a statement shared on its Facebook page.

“Additionally, 3,382 individuals aged 51 to 60 years were reported as victims, while 2,763 cases involved senior citizens over 60 years of age. Meanwhile, the 15 to 20-year-old group recorded 1,962 victims.”

The department emphasised that telecommunications crimes affect all segments of society and urged the public to remain vigilant against deceptive schemes. \

“This situation demonstrates that telecom crime impacts all age groups, and people are advised to exercise caution and not be easily misled by any form of scam,” the statement read.

Authorities also advised that victims could report incidents to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) via hotline 997, verify suspicious transactions through the Semak Mule portal, and lodge formal police reports for further action.

This rising trend underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness and preventive measures, particularly among young adults who remain disproportionately targeted in Malaysia’s evolving landscape of digital fraud. - December 21, 2025

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