MCMC: Scammers turn to RCS, iMessage after hyperlink restrictions on SMS

PETALING JAYA, Aug 21 — Scammers are shifting to messaging services like Rich Communication Services (RCS) and iMessage to spread phishing links after SMS hyperlink restrictions were enforced, said Mohd Amirul Hakim Abdul Rahim, deputy director of Selangor Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Telecommunications Fraud.

RCS and iMessage, as well as OTT services such as WhatsApp and Telegram, are now being used for phishing purposes. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) plans to collaborate with platform providers to implement restrictions similar to those applied to SMS. MCMC will verify suspicious content, including investment scams and impersonations of financial institutions, with relevant agencies before blocking it.

Investment-related cases will be referred to the Securities Commission Malaysia, while banking cases will be checked with BNM or the respective banks. If confirmed fraudulent, the content or account will be blocked on the respective channels. Hasjun Hashim, deputy director of Bank Negara Malaysia, advised the public to be cautious of scam syndicates tricking people into opening company accounts as part of mule accounts tactics.

To open a bank account online, particularly with digital banks, individuals must undergo e-KYC, which verifies their identity using identification documents and facial recognition. If a bank account is opened without consent, victims should report it to the bank to initiate an investigation. Bank Negara is a resource for complaints not resolved at the branch or service centre level.