Scammers exploit public sympathy with AI-generated fake donation appeals

Malaysian Deputy Communications Minister has cautioned social media users to scrutinize online fundraising appeals following an uptick in scams exploiting AI-generated imagery and falsified identities. The warning came as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) recorded a sharp rise in scam-related complaints, from 102,113 in 2023 to 174,099 by October 15, 2026.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching emphasized the need for vigilance against emotionally manipulative content created using AI technology. She also noted that some scammers have been using individuals' names and photographs without their consent to solicit donations.

In response to these fraudulent activities, the MCMC received 170,633 out of 174,099 reported posts for removal, resulting in a compliance rate of around 98 percent. Teo stressed that the agency would take action against any fraudulent material and urged those whose identities had been misused to report the incidents to the police.

Additionally, Teo announced an allocation of RM150,000 through the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA) for the installation of interactive smartboards in four Tamil primary schools within the Kulai district. She also visited the construction site of a new three-storey classroom block at SJKT Kulai Besar, which is expected to be completed by June 2027.