Scammers continue to send out emails, using the Royal Malaysia Police logo, to alert motorists of “traffic offences” and “unpaid summonses”.
This time around, a scam email was sent to this news website!
Twentytwo13 received an email yesterday (9.51am), titled: ‘Your fine is not paid’, which was sent by ‘Police of Malaysia’. However, upon closer inspection, the email was sent from error-demo@spacee.co.jp.
The email read: “Our internal compliance department has noted that you have violated the rule governing the use of common areas, and we observe that your fine has still not been paid. This contradicts the principles set out in policy [no. 5874-247], which was put in place to preserve a harmonious community environment.
“It is imperative to stress the pressing need to regularise this fine as quickly as possible. Failure to do so could result in serious legal repercussions, including the possibility of prosecution. We therefore urge you to handle this situation with the utmost care, to avoid any further legal complications.
“What’s more, we emphasise the importance of scrupulously following the entire process through to completion. This includes SMS validation. Neglecting this step could result in unwanted penalties. To avoid any inconvenience and ensure the success of the procedure, we ask you to pay particular attention to this essential detail.”
A ‘Pay’ button was provided at the bottom of the email, directing the recipient to another site.
These emails started making their rounds about a month ago. Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director, Commissioner Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, was quoted by local English daily The Star on Sept 5, saying that police were aware of the emails, adding that recipients of such emails should not entertain or respond to these messages, as “the (police) force will never issue such things”.
The Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian government have initiated numerous campaigns and programmes to create awareness among the public about scammers and their modus operandi via emails, phone calls and text messages.
Nevertheless, many continue to fall victim to such scams. More recently, a company director lost RM7.1 million after falling victim to a cryptocurrency investment scam in July.
Police have detained 1,160 individuals, locals and foreigners, for their suspected involvement in call centre scam syndicates in the first nine months of 2023.
