Malaysia

WhatsApp leads job scam cases in Malaysia: over 8,900 reported in 2025

The rise of job offer scams highlights the growing role of social media platforms in fraud

Updated 8 months ago · Published on 02 Feb 2026 6:17PM

WhatsApp leads job scam cases in Malaysia: over 8,900 reported in 2025
Nearly half of these scams – 3,822 cases – involved the popular messaging platform, Police say - February 2, 2026

IN 2025, Malaysia saw a staggering 8,911 reported cases of job offer scams, with WhatsApp emerging as the leading platform for such fraudulent activities.

According to Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa, Director of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK) at Bukit Aman, nearly half of these scams – 3,822 cases – involved the popular messaging platform.

The figures, compiled between January and December 2025, reveal that WhatsApp accounted for 43% of all reported job-related fraud cases in the country.

Other platforms also played a significant role in facilitating these scams, with Telegram reporting 2,224 cases, Facebook 1,638, Instagram 515, and Google/Website-based frauds at 316.

Telephone scams added 225 cases, while other methods made up the remaining numbers.

“This highlights the increasing use of communication applications in job fraud activities,” Rusdi said in a statement issued today.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and to verify the legitimacy of any job offers they receive, especially those shared through untrusted platforms.

With the rise in online scams, authorities continue to call for greater awareness and caution when dealing with unsolicited job offers. - February 2, 2026

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