Malaysians Lose RM3.8 Billion to Online Scams Since 2025

Online scams have cost Malaysians a staggering RM3.8 billion since 2025, with authorities recording 95,638 cases nationwide up to May. The Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, revealed that last year saw a significant portion of these losses, with 66,204 cases amounting to RM2.97 billion.

From January to May of the current year, the trend continued with 29,434 reported cases, leading to losses of RM827.73 million. These figures encompass a wide range of digital fraud tactics, including phone scams, romance scams, e-commerce and e-financial crimes, as well as nonexistent loan and investment syndicates.

While the scale of losses is substantial, there has been progress in recovering funds for victims. In 2025, RM6.65 million, or 38% of the RM17.49 million seized, was returned to victims. This year, from January to May, RM3.57 million, representing 49% of the RM7.25 million seized, has been successfully returned. The minister highlighted the National Scam Response Centre's (NSRC) growing effectiveness and public trust as key factors in this improved recovery rate.