- Report by CelcomDigi shows powerful  , knowledge, risk with calls for action
- Urgent need for whole-of-society approach to address this cultural illness
The powerful tales of recognition, risk, and the need to take proactive measures to stop scams and deceptive activities were recently highlighted in the National Scam Awareness Survey 2024 statement from CelcomDigi Bhd.  ,
It revealed that Malaysia is progressing as a highly digitalized country, as 91 % of respondents frequently use society computer centers for a wide range of online services. Malaysians are more easily vulnerable to fraud threats because of the great internet usage. This underscores the need to take more security precautions in order to build a secure and reliable online society.
Idham Nawawi, CelcomDigi CEO  , said,” Now, while we enjoy the benefits of electronic communication, we face a real where frauds and scams have become one of the most pressing social diseases today. The first National Scam Awareness Survey 2024 statement from Commodigi provides actiona ble data and insights that you inform more strategic and focused strategies to combat fraud and scams. Guided by the record, we can handle the gaps in mitigating this incident, develop confidence, and develop a more secure online environment for Malaysians”.
Over the past year, 87 % of the 10, 893 polled across the country, have been more aware of scams and were able to information and explain the nature of the scam they were exposed to. Respondents also acknowledged that it’s dangerous to click unverified references and that exposing personal information can be used against them. Additional features of the review:  ,
73 % of people are aware of the dangers of sharing and revealing personal information via social media.
65 % indicated they would confirm any backlinks received before clicking them, whereas
Prior to sharing them, 52 % of people would screen their private information.
These indicate that the majority of respondents follow standard procedures for protecting their personal information.  ,
However, two-thirds ( 66 % ) of them have encountered some form of scam attempts or situation. These efforts, numbering a remarkable 17, 912, shows that an individual can experience numerous types of frauds through various stations. Voice phone calls ( 76 % ) were the most common type of scam, with pretending to be bank or government representatives or officers. Artificial staff are employed in the scam attempts:
Asking respondents for their personal information ( 31 % ),
causing concern that respondents ‘ bank accounts may be in trouble and threatening respondents to make a specific payment ( 23 % ),
offering government assistance and requesting personal or bank information ( 23 % ).
Additionally, the report noted a tendency of con artists swindling patients who have higher education and income levels. Comparing demographic factors revealed that those with higher education levels had higher rates of attempted schemes than those with just secondary or elementary education or those who made RM1, 000 or less per month.  ,
The survey also assessed Malaysians ‘ awareness on the 997 hotline of the National Scam Response Centre ( NSRC ) for scam reporting, in addition to raising public awareness of the types of scams and scam tactics. 64 % of respondents were unaware they may report schemes to the NSRC line, according to research. Also, the level of knowledge among those who are reportedly in financial distress is the lowest, with 67 % of those who claim to have received insufficient income to pay their monthly expenses no being familiar with the NSRC hotline as a reporting tool for scams.
A quick course of action is a crucial stage for scam victims. However, the report makes it clear that respondents may not have the same levels of resilience to scams, especially when it comes to taking preventative and mitigating measures:
52 % blocked the telephone numbers of scam or suspected swindlers,
32 % advised family or friends, while
19 % either closed their bank accounts, cancelled their credit cards or did nothing.  ,
In response to these studies, the document indicates an urgent need for a whole-of-society approach to actively address this cultural illness. The advice include:
At the federal level, there have been more scam awareness campaigns across several channels, and there has been a greater emphasis on the role of NSRC, which includes allowing more Malaysians to learn from its services,
For the private sectors: To incorporate fraud risk management into company strategy while creating more innovative facilities to protect customers ‘ interests.
Public-private collaborations to choose a multi-pronged strategy to build an environment for a more holistic and strategic precautionary measures.  ,
The review is part of CelcomDigi’s continued battle against scams and fraudulent activities. It is obtainable around  , and on social media platforms for the consumer.  ,