{"id":17809,"date":"2020-09-09T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-09-09T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comparehero.my\/blog\/uncategorized\/covid-19-scams-malaysia.html"},"modified":"2026-03-26T16:02:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T08:02:10","slug":"covid-19-scams-malaysia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comparehero.my\/blog\/financial-safety\/covid-19-scams-malaysia.html","title":{"rendered":"7 Types Of Shocking COVID-19 Scams All Malaysians Need To Be Aware Of"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Since the beginning of the Movement Control Order (MCO), many Malaysians have become victims of frauds and scams. Some of the scams include face mask scam, PPE fraud, scam calls, EPF scam, investment scam, Pos Malaysia scam and more. Read these 7 types of COVID-19 scams you need to be aware of so that you will not become a scammer\u2019s next victim.<\/strong><\/p> \n

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The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the way we conduct our day to day, with many seeing significant changes to their routine as most people socialize, play and work indoors.<\/p> \n

This shift – and higher dependency on technology – coupled with the uncertainty of the situation has invigorated predatory fraudsters to head online and take advantage of people\u2019s vulnerability caused by financial and health stressors from the pandemic.<\/p> \n

On top of that, the fear and desperation to stay safe from the virus has also led many to stock up on all necessary forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves, as well as cleaning supplies – a paranoia that has created a fertile ground for fraudsters to thrive.<\/p> \n

But crime isn\u2019t only happening online, in some countries like the UK, as reported by BBC, it\u2019s also happening on the ground as organising crimes are targeting vulnerable people at home and in the care sector.<\/p> \n

Why have cybercrimes and scams been successful amid COVID-19?<\/h2> \n

The hike in COVID-19 themed phishing lures, high-risk fake domains and scams, KPMG states, is because of its simplicity. It also proves that cybercriminals are changing their modus operandi to instill fear and target individuals and businesses through different means.<\/p> \n

\u201cRight now, everyone is heavily reliant on their laptops or mobile phones to conduct their everyday needs such as online banking, shopping or donating to causes and charities. Criminals are not afraid to take advantage of that,\u201d said Tan Kim Chuan, Head of Forensic at KPMG in Malaysia, in a statement.<\/p> \n

To avoid unwanted cyber breach or financial loss, KPMG advises individuals and organizations to embed pragmatic remote-working security controls<\/strong> as immediate measures to deal with these threats.<\/p> \n