SHAH ALAM – A total of 380 cybercrime cases have been reported in Selangor to date, a sudden increase compared with only 51 cases reported last year – especially cases involving pornographic extortion – said state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal.
He said such crimes became more rampant when the government imposed the movement control order, which saw many individuals having more time to spend at home, and worsened with the widespread availability of communication technology.
He advised the public to be cautious when using technology because many have been victimised and blackmailed when their private activities were made public by syndicates, individuals or former partners.
“Everyone should be very cautious. Do not record anything that can embarrass ourselves because we do not know when it will be made public,” he said today in a Selangor police programme chat on Facebook Live on “Cyber Crime Fraud”.
Commercial CID deputy chief Raduan Othman (counterfeiting crime, syndicated investment and cyber), who was also a guest on the programme, said that 160 “love scam” cases were reported until August involving losses amounting to RM7 million in Selangor compared with 223 cases last year involving RM16 million in losses.
He said “love scam” crimes are normally masterminded by foreigners who target single parents, and older and unmarried women.
He added that cybercrime will continue to happen in tandem with technological advancement as many will become victims of greed and be taken advantage of by syndicates and certain individuals. – Bernama, September 14, 2021
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