Selangor tops online scam losses with RM986.79 million last year
SHAH ALAM: Selangor recorded the country’s highest online scam losses, with victims losing RM986.79 million in 2025, nearly a third of the RM2.97 billion recorded nationwide.
Selangor endured the most significant online scam losses in Malaysia in 2025, with victims losing RM986.79 million, a substantial portion of the RM2.97 billion recorded nationwide, according to Bank Negara Malaysia. The figure represents a nearly tripling of Selangor's losses from RM446.16 million in 2024, signaling an escalating online fraud threat.
Bank Negara Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour revealed that BNM, alongside financial institutions and law enforcement, are fortifying defenses against cybercrime through accelerated fund tracing and enhanced online banking security measures. However, he emphasized that robust systems alone are insufficient; the crucial first line of defense lies with individual vigilance.
Rasheed cautioned that impulsive actions should not be taken without verifying information through official channels before transferring funds. He stressed the importance of financial institutions strengthening security protocols, issuing clearer warnings, and promptly addressing suspicious activities. Rasheed also pointed out the accelerating pace of digital transactions, which leaves users with limited time to assess their actions.
He warned against falling for scams where fraudsters impersonate bank officials or authorities to coerce victims into transferring money, urging users to take a moment to verify such requests through official channels before sharing personal information or making transactions. He highlighted how artificial intelligence could assist in detecting anomalous behavior and providing timely alerts to users, but stressed that technological advancements must be paired with stringent data protection measures and adequate support to empower users to make sound financial decisions.
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, once more, topped the list of affected areas for a third consecutive year, together incurring losses of approximately RM1.77 billion in 2025, with Kuala Lumpur alone suffering losses of RM782.86 million, up from RM293.30 million the previous year. The most prevalent scam modus operandi nationwide in 2025 was non-existent investment schemes, accounting for RM1.46 billion in losses, followed by telecommunications-related fraud at RM802.47 million.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
