KUALA LUMPUR: Online fraud cases in Malaysia have doubled from 17,668 cases in 2019 to 34,495 cases in 2023.
Bukit Aman's Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director, Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, described the 95.2 per cent increase as a highly alarming escalation over five years.
He said introducing cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), will pose even more significant challenges to crime tactics, particularly those used in online crime.
"As we enter 2024, the emergence of these technologies, such as AI, Quantum Computing, and Augmented Reality (AR), is anticipated to present even more significant challenges in combatting crime tactics, particularly online crimes.
"AI scientists now predict that the acceleration this year will serve as an impetus for the emergence of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) as early as 2027, where the capabilities of computers and their peripherals will match or exceed human intelligence," he said during his address at the launch of Semakmule 2.0.
Acknowledging these challenges, CCID has recognised the importance of proactive measures through the Semakmule 2.0 portal, particularly in prevention.
"In addition to traditional methods of disseminating information on commercial crimes, such as TV and radio interviews, campaigns, lectures, and customer engagement programmes, CCID has developed the Semakmule Portal.
"This platform serves as a vital medium for sharing information between CCID and the public."
Ramli said that the portal was developed in-house in 2018 and launched in 2020 to provide convenience to the public to verify the status of bank accounts and phone numbers that may be involved in fraudulent activities.
He disclosed that 193,000 bank accounts and 164,000 scammer phone numbers have been listed on this portal.
"Verification of bank account status and phone numbers can be used to consider the level of security for transfer or payment transactions, and this means that over 190,000 bank accounts have been misused as dummy accounts.
"Since its launch, 24,962,197 visitors have accessed this portal, and 20,469,861 searches have been made.
"Out of this total, 1,912,120 searches yielded positive results. I am confident that through searches yielding positive results, transfers to fraud syndicate accounts were successfully avoided, therefore saving victims' money."
Through the Semakmule 2.0 Portal, users will also gain access to conduct searches on companies potentially engaged in commercial crime activities.
This feature empowers users to make informed decisions regarding their transactions or engagements with such entities.
"As of now, the database within the portal lists 107 companies suspected of fraudulent activities.
"It is my fervent aspiration that the Semakmule 2.0 Portal evolves into a pivotal tool in advancing more effective crime prevention initiatives."