Scams: Fahmi wants WhatsApp to strengthen phone number verification
COMMUNICATIONS Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil wants WhatsApp to improve verification of phone numbers linked to its accounts, amid growing concerns that scammers are using the messaging platform to deceive the public. He said the government was exa...
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has called for WhatsApp to enhance phone number verification procedures, following reports of scam artists exploiting the messaging platform to impersonate Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) officials. Currently, WhatsApp does not mandate account verification.
However, Fahmi revealed that he had heard numerous nations raise concerns about WhatsApp being weaponized for scam calls during a recent International Telecommunication Union (ITU) meeting. Consequently, several countries are implementing measures to verify the identity and phone numbers associated with WhatsApp accounts. Fahmi stressed that MCMC would never contact citizens regarding disconnections or unpaid bills, as these matters are handled directly by telecommunications providers.
He emphasized that neither the Communications Ministry nor MCMC would make enforcement calls. He also affirmed that MCMC was not accountable for pursuing enforcement actions against unpaid telecommunications bills. Fahmi stated that authorities would take legal action against those responsible for such scams, with suspects facing arrest, detention, investigation, and potential court charges if found guilty.
The minister added that the government is exploring additional network-level measures to curb scam calls, building upon MCMC's previous efforts to limit caller ID spoofing.
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