Scam Calls Surge in Malaysia: Whoscall Reports 100% Increase, Urges Users to Stay Vigilant

Scam calls are on the rise, with a staggering 100.92% increase reported in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to the 2023 Annual Report by Whoscall, a leading anti-fraud app. This translates to a concerning 1.63 million scam calls identified by Whoscall in 2023, compared to just over 812,000 in 2022.

Malaysia Second-Worst Hit in Asia

The report also reveals that Malaysia is the second-worst hit country in Asia for scam calls, trailing only Hong Kong. While other Asian nations like Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, and the Philippines witnessed a decline in such calls, Malaysia continues to grapple with this growing issue.

Whoscall Identifies Scams, But Users Remain Vulnerable

Despite Whoscall successfully tagging over 1.6 million calls as scams in 2023, a worrying 10.35% of users (approximately 169,000) still picked up these calls. This highlights the need for increased user awareness and caution. Whoscall urges users to never answer calls flagged as scams and to immediately block the numbers.

Police Warn of Evolving Tactics

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) acknowledges phone scams as the leading online scam, with over 2,000 cases and losses exceeding RM65 million recorded in just the first two months of 2024. PDRM Anti-Scam Ambassador ASP Rahmat Fitri Abdullah also warns of the growing threat of link or URL scams shared through messaging apps.

AI-Generated Scams Emerge

Adding to the complexity, scammers are now utilizing generative AI to create fake content. One tactic involves manipulating real news footage with altered audio, creating fabricated investment opportunities that trick unsuspecting victims.

Whoscall Expands Anti-Fraud Measures

To combat these evolving threats, Whoscall is continuously enhancing its anti-fraud technology. Their features now include a URL Scanner to identify risky links and a free ID Security feature that detects past data leaks associated with a phone number. This empowers users with crucial insights and remedial actions to bolster their online security.

Free Whoscall Premium to Fight Scams

As a call to action, Whoscall is offering a free one-year subscription to their premium service until April 30, 2024. Users can redeem this offer using the code “PDRMLawanScams” at https://redeem.whoscall.com/.

Together Against Scams

With technology constantly evolving, so do scam tactics. Whoscall encourages all Malaysians to join forces in combating online scams. Users are advised to download the Whoscall app, utilize its features, and stay informed about the latest scam trends through Whoscall’s social media channels (https://www.facebook.com/whoscall.malaysia/ & https://www.tiktok.com/@whoscall.malaysia).

By working together, we can create a safer online environment for everyone.