“And now that I have been scammed once, I felt like it could not happen to me again.”
– Vann Chow, Chinese author
THIS is not something we have not heard before. Despite the many reports of people being scammed online plus the frequent public warnings from the authorities, many still fall into the same trap.
This is mind-boggling indeed but why is it still happening? Are Malaysians really that gullible and vulnerable or in some cases, just plain greedy as we have noted in scams involving investments?
There is no need to look far in order to comprehend how rampant these scams are and the agony and suffering the innocent victims have to endure.
It is also a serious issue in our homeland, Sarawak.
Browsing through the reports of those being scammed, one can’t help but wonder whether those who are loaded with hard cash are that ‘paloi’ (yes, the word “stupid” is most apt this time in place of “gullible”) to be taken in by the smooth talk of the scammers.
And I must also make this compelling point – the idea that even educated, professional individuals can fall victim to online scams speaks volumes about how sophisticated and manipulative these scams have become.
Last November, a Kuching manager was duped of RM300,000 in an online investment scam, believed to involve cryptocurrency. A man in a position of leadership and responsibility being cheated of such an enormous sum is no laughing matter.
Then, there was a report of a Sarawak businessman in his 50s who became the latest victim of a phone scam, losing more than RM560,000 in a fraudulent scheme. This was reported last October.
This was more than half a million ringgit, and for the man to part with that amount so easily must surely underline the sophistication of the operation. Even the most cautious business people are prone to being duped in such a manner.
Then just two months ago, in February, there were reports of 20 individuals losing RM1.8 million in a house construction scheme. The victims were from across Sarawak.
Then there are the job scams which seem to affect many Sarawakians. Last December, a local newspaper reported that Sarawak continues to grapple with widespread job and online scams that have left victims financially devastated and emotionally scarred.
These scams, often orchestrated through social media platforms, prey on individuals across various demographics, from young job-seekers lured by high-paying overseas opportunities, to seasoned professionals enticed by fraudulent investment schemes.
Among the most harrowing cases was the one involving five Sarawakians, in their early 20s, who were stranded in Cambodia after being duped by fake job offers.
I recall highlighting this particular case in my column in a national news portal at that time. I believe that the five Sarawakians were later brought home safe and sound with the help of the Malaysian and Cambodian authorities.
Earlier on, I mentioned that even educated, professional people have fallen for online scams, and I’m glad that this was also shared by Sarawak Deputy Education, Technology Innovation and Talents Development Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
Annuar stated in Sibu recently that despite repeated warnings by police and the authorities, Sarawakians continue to fall victim to scams every day.
Incredibly enough, victims include highly educated professionals living and working in cities and big towns and this is a very disturbing trend, he said.
Now, why are the so-called experienced, cautious business people and educated professionals also gullible and vulnerable to online scams?
I earnestly believe this has something to do with exploiting human psychology. Even the most intelligent people can be manipulated if a scam triggers emotions like fear, greed, urgency or even compassion.
For example, phishing emails that warn about compromised bank accounts or urgent tax issues are designed to spark panic and override logical thinking.
Then, the tech sophistication of the scammers has also grown. Scams aren’t the clumsy, typo-filled emails of the past. Many now use realistic branding and logos, AI-generated content and deepfakes or voice cloning, among others. So, it’s not always obvious what’s fake – even to tech-savvy users.
Perhaps, a false sense of immunity on the part of educated individuals might assume they’re “too smart” to be scammed. Ironically, that confidence can make them less cautious or more likely to ignore red flags.
It is also believed that many educated victims feel embarrassed and they do not report the scam, which prevents others from being warned. This stigma can perpetuate the cycle.
Authorities have a major role in protecting the public from online scams. Begin by coordinating regular public education campaigns and conducting extensive awareness initiatives on television, radio, social media, and in schools.
There must be stronger enforcement at all levels and scammers must be punished publicly to deter others.
Promoting digital literacy in school curriculums and public education programmes should emphasise digital safety.
We can be assured that if our government stepped up in these areas, you and I would be far better equipped and protected against online scams.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at sirsiah@gmail.com.
