KUCHING: Lack of awareness, desperation for quick profits, and panic when receiving fake authority calls are among the key reasons why people continue to fall victim to scams.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said many victims were still unfamiliar with the tactics used by scammers, showing a general lack of knowledge about how such fraud syndicates operate.
“Some fall for too-good-to-be-true investment offers promising large returns in a short time, while others panic when they get calls claiming to be from police or banks. This emotional reaction makes them vulnerable.
“Aside from that, many people also fail to verify suspicious phone numbers, account numbers, or links sent to them, which further exposes them to scams.
“In some cases, victims hesitate to report the crime due to shame or fear, delaying action and increasing financial losses,” he said at a press conference yesterday (Aug 1).
These were all common traits observed in victims, and they contribute to the rising number of scam cases in the state.
He pointed out that to avoid becoming victims, the public must remain cautious and not fall for too-good-to-be-true offers.
“The public should never share banking details, OTPs or passwords, and recommend using the Commercial Crime Investigation Department’s (CCID) Semak Mule portal to verify suspicious numbers or accounts.
“They can also download the Whoscall app to help identify scam calls, while links or apps from unknown sources should be avoided.
In addition, the public are encouraged to educate their family members — especially senior citizens and teenagers not to trust viral messages or investment schemes blindly.
Mancha also reminded the public who realised they have been scammed — especially if the funds were still in the recipient’s account, should call the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 for assistance in freezing the transaction and initiating an investigation.
Through the centre, victims can receive prompt help in blocking suspicious accounts, notifying banks, and coordinating with enforcement agencies. NSRC also guides victims through the next steps, including how to lodge a police report.
To break the chain of scam crimes, Sarawak police has launched mass awareness campaign involving related agencies, NGOs, and community leaders, which focuses on promoting preventive action, the importance of verification, and the critical role of the 997 hotlines.
“Public awareness remains the most effective defence against scams.
“With this campaign, we hope to significantly reduce scam cases. If more people are alert, aware of the dangers, and know how to act quickly, we can curb these crimes and prevent millions in losses,” he said.
