KUCHING: What will they think of next?
We have heard of love scams, investment scams, job scams, parcel scams, loan scams, get-rich-quick schemes, fake shopping deals and even impersonation scams. Now, add another one to the ever-growing scammers’ catalogue, the milk powder scam.
And this was no small change for a few cans of milk powder.
A 71-year-old man ended up RM40,000 poorer after responding to what appeared to be an irresistible Facebook bargain: 10 cans of Ensure Gold milk powder for just RM440.
The bargain, unfortunately, turned sour almost immediately for the victim. His mobile phone allegedly went blank shortly after he clicked a link sent by the ‘seller’.
The victim is believed to have had two bank accounts compromised in the incident, prompting Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Public Complaints Bureau chief Milton Foo to call for stronger action by banks, regulators and enforcement authorities against phishing scams.
“He contacted the purported seller through WhatsApp and was instructed by the so-called customer service to click on a link.
“After doing so, his phone screen went completely black. Two of his bank accounts were then accessed for unauthorised online transfers, resulting in losses totalling RM40,000,” Foo said in a statement yesterday (Sept 3).
The incident occurred at the victim’s residence here on Aug 25, and a police report was lodged the following day.
Foo said the case was another example of scammers using attractive offers for branded health products to lure unsuspecting consumers, particularly senior citizens, into clicking phishing links.
He questioned how clicking a single link could allegedly lead to two separate bank accounts being compromised and urged Bank Negara Malaysia to require banks to further strengthen their online security systems.
“Banks have an uncompromising responsibility to safeguard depositors’ money,” he said.
Foo also called on the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to swiftly block fake Facebook pages and phishing links used to promote scam advertisements.
He further urged the police to intensify investigations into scams involving social media platforms, local phone numbers and bank accounts.
In addition, he called for the National Scam Response Centre at 997 to maintain 24-hour readiness to help victims freeze their accounts as quickly as possible.
Foo advised members of the public to be wary of products, particularly health supplements, being offered at prices substantially below market value.
He said consumers should avoid clicking suspicious links and never disclose TAC, OTP or banking details to unknown individuals.
For online purchases involving financial transactions, he advised consumers to use official pharmacies, official brand websites or reputable e-commerce platforms.
Click Here For The Original Source.
