Scammers Are Targeting Malaysians With Higher Education & Income Levels, Warns CelcomDigi
You're at risk if you hold a degree, master's degree or a PhD.
By Sukhbir Cheema — 23 Jul 2024, 11:18 AM
Individuals with higher education and income levels have become the top targets for scammers, CelcomDigi Berhad's latest report finds
In its inaugural National Scam Awareness Survey 2024 report, the company polled 10,893 people nationwide.
It then compared the demographic variables of respondents and found that scam risks increase with one's education and income levels.
With 91% of respondents being heavy Internet users, those who earned less than RM1,000 and have primary or secondary education reported the fewest scam attempts.
"Today, while we enjoy the benefits of digital connectivity, we face a reality where scams and fraud have become one of the most pressing social epidemics," CelcomDigi chief operating officer Datuk Idham Nawawi said.
While 87% of those polled have become more aware of scams over the past year, 66% of them have encountered some form of scam attempt or situation
The most common scam is phone calls (76%), where scammers pretend to be representatives or officers from banks, telecommunications companies, or government departments.
31% of respondents said they received phone calls from fake personnel asking for their personal information.
23% reported that scammers created fear by claiming that the respondents’ bank accounts had problems and threatening them to make a certain payment.
Meanwhile, another 23% revealed that scammers offered government assistance and asked for personal or banking details.
The good news is that the majority of respondents polled engage in basic practices to protect their personal data
73% of respondents are aware of the risks of social sharing and exposing personal data.
Meanwhile, 65% practise verifying any links received before clicking, while 52% would filter their personal data before sharing it.
That said, there are areas where scammers can take advantage.
Those who reported financial distress had the lowest awareness of the types of scams and scam tactics, making them even more vulnerable
The report found that 64% of the respondents were unaware they could report scams via the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) hotline. This includes 67% of individuals who revealed that their income is insufficient to cover their monthly expenses.
Malaysians also demonstrate a low level of resilience to scams when it comes to adopting preventive and mitigation measures.
While 52% of respondents revealed that they block scammers and suspected scammers and 32% inform their friends and family, 19% either close their bank accounts, cancel their cards, or take no action.
CelcomDigi said that "a whole-of-society approach" is needed to address scam threats
The company recommended improvements at the national level, within the private sector, and encouraged public-private partnerships to develop strategic preventive measures.
At the national level, increased awareness across multiple channels, including the role of NSRC, is essential.
Meanwhile, the private sector needs to develop more innovative infrastructure and risk management to protect their customers and employees from scams.
