Kota Kinabalu: The National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) will continue to serve as a key mechanism in combating online fraud, one of the most pressing crimes affecting Malaysians today.
State Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Abdul Rani Alias said the NSRC, currently spearheaded by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), functions as a dedicated response centre to provide immediate assistance to scam victims during the crucial first 24 hours after an incident.
He said the centre not only receives reports from victims but also channels information to banks and enforcement agencies to take swift action.
“The NSRC can act promptly to freeze a suspect’s account within the golden hour. However, the return of funds remains subject to investigation outcomes and the due legal process,” he said when speaking at a press conference following the Sabah Police Commissioner’s monthly assembly for September here on Wednesday.
He said scams that can be reported to the centre include phone scams involving impersonation of authorities such as the police, courts, and tax department, as well as romance scams conducted through social media and dating apps.
Other common cases include e-commerce fraud where goods are not delivered after payment, e-financial fraud involving the theft of banking information and TAC misuse, bogus loans, and fraudulent online investment schemes promising unusually high returns.
“Victims can directly contact the 24-hour hotline at 997, which operates seven days a week, to lodge their reports,” he said.
Abdul Rani said between January and August this year, the Sabah Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) received 2,057 online fraud cases involving RM213 million in losses.
“This figure should serve as a reminder for the public to exercise greater caution by not disclosing personal banking details or TAC codes, and to refrain from clicking suspicious links,” he said.
He further urged the public to always verify transactions before making payments and to be wary of investment offers that guarantee lucrative or unrealistic returns.
“The most effective way to prevent falling victim is to remain alert and sceptical of deals that sound too good to be true,” he said.
