A fraud syndicate is employing a new tactic by hacking Telegram accounts before sending deceptive messages to individuals, claiming to offer Rahmah aid donations on behalf of the government. These messages contain links that recipients are instructed to fill out, under the pretense of receiving aid. However, once they follow these instructions, the money in their bank accounts is transferred to another account, resulting in financial losses.

Director of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK), Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, reported that they have received 22 police reports related to this scam, totaling losses of RM1,259.41. In the majority of cases, the Telegram accounts of victims were hacked and subsequently used to send messages related to such aid.

Source: Malaysia Ministry of Finance

Ramli explained that victims receive messages about aid through the Telegram app, click on the provided links, and fill in required details, including their banking information. They are then asked to enter a TAC number for verification, after which they discover that their account balance has decreased.

These cases are currently being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code. The public is advised to enhance their Telegram account security to prevent hacking and misuse and to verify the authenticity of government aid-related messages to avoid falling victim to scams.

Source: Harian Metro