Minister: M’sians lost RM3m to facemask scams during MCO
CORONAVIRUS | Defence Minister Ismail Sabri has cautioned the public against those trying to capitalise on the Covid-19 outbreak.
In a broadcast press conference today, he said the police have investigated hundreds of scams in the one week since the movement control order began on March 18.
CORONAVIRUS | Defence Minister Ismail Sabri has cautioned the public against those trying to capitalise on the Covid-19 outbreak.
In a broadcast press conference today, he said the police have investigated hundreds of scams in the one week since the movement control order began on March 18.
Among the fraudulent scams detected were for facemasks and EPF withdrawal schemes.
“As of March 25, the police have opened 393 investigation papers into those selling fake items online such as facemasks, which has caused an estimated RM3 million loss.
“When the government announced that the public could withdraw money from their EPF, scammers took the opportunity to defraud people by announcing a variety of schemes through the media, social media and other ways. Those who wanted to withdraw their money were asked for their MyKad and bank account numbers.
“I hope the rakyat will be careful with these scammers,” Ismail said.
He cautioned that following the government's announcement of several measures to provide economic relief for Malaysians struggling with the Covid-19 crisis, scammers will be out to take advantage.
He said among the scams observed was one related to the government's announcement that people can dip into their Employees Provident Fund savings to cope with the economic downturn brought on by the global pandemic.
"Scammers have been making offers on social media that supposedly anyone who wants to withdraw their money can send their MyKad number and EPF account number to them.
"I hope the people will exercise caution," he said.
He advised the public to directly engage with the EPF and also to follow the procedures that the fund has specified for such withdrawals.
On a separate matter, he said since the start of the movement control order (MCO) until yesterday, the police and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have opened 114 investigation papers related to fake news.
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