Police deny existence of ‘Sim Swap’ scam in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – The police have denied the existence of a scam known as “Sim Swap” in the country.

Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Mohd Kamarudin Md Din said the viral message regarding the existence of the new modus operandi had been identified on WhatsApp and Facebook.

According to him, the message is false, and so far, no police report has been lodged regarding the scam.

“Based on the (viral) message, the victim will receive a call and be asked to press the (number) ‘one’ button on the keypad before the phone is hacked and taken over by criminals to transfer all of the victim’s money to another account.

“What often (actually) happens is the sending of ‘APK files’ (Android application package file) to smartphone users that contain malicious code.

“When users download the application, it will give access to criminals, allowing them to obtain the victim’s internet banking details, which is then used to transfer money,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Kamarudin advised the public to stop spreading the message and to contact the CCID Scam Response Centre at 03-26101559/1599 or any nearby police station to give any information. – Bernama, January 16, 2022