In an era where digital communication is king, scammers are evolving with technology, exploiting new methods to deceive unsuspecting victims. One of the most alarming tactics is the parcel release scam, where fraudsters pose as courier company representatives, requesting money transfers to release parcels allegedly containing prohibited items. The police have announced a strong warning to the public, urging to take precaution against these fraudulent schemes to deceive the gullible victims.
Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, Director of Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department, underscored the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that legitimate courier companies would never ask customers to transfer money via phone calls for parcel releases. Ramli explained during a recent press briefing that if a parcel contains prohibited items, the proper procedure is for the courier company to file a police report, not to contact the customer, issue a warning, and then involve police officers to request payment. "That's not how the process works," he clarified.
Ramli clarified that if prohibited items were genuinely being transported, the rightful procedure involves the courier company alerting the authorities. The practice of contacting the customer directly to demand payment is a hallmark of fraud. "If we were truly transporting prohibited items, we would be treated as suspects, and suspects wouldn't be notified in this way," he added, emphasizing that these calls are not only illegal but also an immediate red flag for potential victims.
The statistics paint a stark picture. Between 2021 and July 2024, over 9,422 phone scam cases were reported across the country, resulting in losses exceeding RM505.4 million. Among these, scams impersonating Pos Laju staff alone accounted for over RM30 million in losses from 535 cases between 2022 and July 2024. These figures highlight the growing menace of phone scams and the need for the public to be vigilant.
To combat this growing threat so as to safeguard themselves against potential scams, use anti-fraud applications such as truecaller or whoscall to verify incoming call numbers through public sharing information, giving users confidence in receiving calls from numbers that are not in their contact lists.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too do the tactics of fraudsters. It is more important than ever for individuals to remain vigilant, question unexpected requests for money, and use technology as a shield against the ever-present threat of phone scams.
The police's warning serves as a crucial reminder: if something seems suspicious, it probably is. Protect yourself and family, stay informed to avoid falling victim to these kind of modus operandi and increasingly sophisticated scams.
By: Kpost
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