How much have Malaysians lost to these SMS scams this year?

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Malaysians Have Lost RM229,868 to SMS Scams This Year

Between January 1 and April 17 of this year, 18 reported cases of SMS scams have resulted in financial losses totalling RM229,868 for Malaysians. These fraudulent activities typically begin with victims receiving an SMS that appears to be from a legitimate telecommunications company, prompting them to click on a provided link to redeem expiring reward points.
Nature of the SMS Scam

The modus operandi involves an SMS message informing the recipient that they have reward points nearing expiration and must redeem them promptly via an attached link. This creates a sense of urgency, encouraging victims to act without sufficient caution.
Financial and Personal Information Compromised

Upon clicking the deceptive link, victims are directed to a platform where they are prompted to enter sensitive online banking credentials, including their one-time password (OTP). The immediate consequence of providing this information is the unauthorised deduction of funds from their bank accounts.
Legal Ramifications and Public Advisory

These SMS scams are prosecuted under Section 420 of the Penal Code. Authorities advise the public to exercise extreme caution and to verify any suspicious SMS directly with the relevant telecommunications provider before taking any action or divulging personal information.

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How much have Malaysians lost to these SMS scams this year?

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