Johor police chief becomes target of scammers

JOHOR BAHRU - Johor police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat says he has recently been targeted by scammers posing as authorities.

The syndicate, he said not only knew his phone number but also his address.

He said during the call from the scammer, the line was purportedly connected to an investigating officer.

"Cases involving scammers are increasingly concerning and I have been contacted by them myself.

“In one scam case involving hundreds of thousands of ringgit, the victim's child shared information about the father, making it easier for the scammer to deceive the victim (the father).

“Therefore, I advise the public to be more cautious and not casually share personal information with unknown parties," he said during a press conference at the police's monthly gathering at the Johor Contingent Police Headquarters, today.

Kamarul added that the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) recorded a total of 3,185 scam-related cases from January to September, this year, compared to 2,403 cases during the same period, last year.

He said data showed an increase of 782 cases or 32.5 per cent and out of the 3,185 cases, online fraud was the largest contributor, involving 2,614 cases (82.1 per cent).

“Among the cases categorised as online crimes were online purchases, phone scams, fraudulent investments and job offers.

“Therefore, the CCID will continue to raise awareness campaigns among the public.

“At the same time, the CCID is collaborating with various government and private agencies such as the Johor State Education Department and Bank Negara Malaysia in an effort to educate the public to be more aware of current criminal issues, especially those involving scammers,” he said.