WhatsApp phone number verification under study to curb scams

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has called for WhatsApp to enhance verification of phone numbers linked to its accounts, following a surge in scams where scammers impersonate Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) officers. Speaking at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Fahmi emphasized that while WhatsApp currently lacks such verification, countries internationally are considering the matter.

Many nations have raised concerns about the misuse of WhatsApp for scam calls, prompting the government to explore additional measures to combat evolving scam tactics.

Fahmi noted that scammers have adapted their methods following previous technical measures implemented by MCMC to block spoofing calls. "Previously, MCMC implemented a technical change that blocked what is known as spoofing calls, and we have successfully implemented that," he said. However, the shift in scam tactics suggests that stronger steps are necessary.

The police have recently arrested 61 individuals suspected of involvement in three scam syndicates, including one group accused of impersonating MCMC officers in telephone scams. These suspects were detained in raids across Seri Kembangan, Selangor, with additional syndicates allegedly targeting victims in Indonesia through WhatsApp.

Fahmi warned the public against individuals claiming to represent MCMC or the Communications Ministry and threatening to terminate their telephone lines, stressing that neither the ministry nor MCMC would initiate such actions.

Fahmi advised anyone receiving suspicious calls to hang up and report the incident to the police or MCMC, or contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) immediately at 997. He urged scam victims to take immediate action by calling 997.