PROPERTY rental scams in Malaysia have reached alarming levels, with fraudulent schemes increasingly exploiting stolen identities, according to federal police.
Reported cases have soared from 184 in 2023 to 922 in 2025, representing a surge of over 400 per cent in just three years.
Victims often face a double blow, losing deposits for properties that do not exist while their personal information is repeatedly misused, creating prolonged legal and financial challenges.
“The fraudsters typically communicate through messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram and social media direct messages, pressuring victims to make advance payments or deposits and citing a limited number of units,” Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Rusdi Mohd Isa told The Star. “They avoid physical meetings or property viewings, using various excuses.”
Authorities warn that syndicates are increasingly capitalising on social media platforms and new digital applications, exploiting their wide reach, low operating costs, and the difficulty law enforcement faces in tracking them.
“The modus operandi has shifted from static advertisement websites to faster, more personal and serial communications via messaging apps.
“We have also detected a trend of rapid digital identity changes among scammers, including switching phone numbers and bank accounts, using temporary social media accounts and rotating mule accounts to avoid detection,” he added.
Investigations indicate that many scams rely on automated scripts resembling chatbots, as well as short voice and video recordings to enhance credibility. While the use of deepfake technology remains limited, CCID continues to monitor emerging threats closely.
Financial losses from fraudulent rental schemes have risen sharply. Victims reported losses of RM396,246.55 in 2023, which increased to RM835,367.71 in 2024 and escalated to around RM2.5 million in 2025. Since 2023, police have arrested 245 individuals in connection with these offences.
CCID has emphasised its commitment to combating the problem through legal action, cooperation with social media platforms, financial institutions, and related agencies, and strengthening detection of mule accounts. Public education campaigns and intelligence-sharing initiatives are also being expanded.
The public is urged to exercise caution, verify property viewings and documents before making payments, deal only with registered property agents, and be sceptical of offers that appear unusually attractive.
“Avoid being pressured into immediate payments and promptly verify and report any suspected scams to the police,” Rusdi said, stressing that vigilance remains the most effective defence against escalating fraudulent activity. - January 12, 2026
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