KUALA LUMPUR: A WhatsApp message currently gone viral about a supposed syndicate using “electronic key holders” to detect their victims’ whereabouts is nothing new.
The message has been making the rounds for several years, with some people saying it could go back as far as 2008.
In fact, a media statement from Federal police in Bukit Aman had been issued in 2014 refuting the claims in the message.
The statement, issued by Federal police Corporate Communications head Datin Asmawati Ahmad had said then that police had not received any reports on the matter.
Asmawati had called on the public to stop believing and disseminating unverified news on the matter.
“However, we urge members of the public to be vigilant and alert of their surroundings, and do not give chance and space for criminals to take advantage of them,” she said.
According to the claims, shared via social media and WhatsApp, a syndicate is actively masquerading as sales promoters by giving away the electronic key holders.
The syndicate members allegedly distribute the devices at public places such as airports and petrol stations.
The key holders are allegedly equipped with a tracking device which allows the criminals to track the owner's whereabouts, enabling them to strike later.