Perak launches anti-scam module to shield students from rising online fraud

A new educational module on commercial crime trends has launched in Perak, targeting university students as the primary victims of online scams. The initiative, a joint effort between the Perak police and Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), aims to raise awareness and prevent financial losses from fraudulent schemes. Perak police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin officially introduced the Module On The Current Trends of Commercial Crimes at UTP’s Chancellor’s Hall. The event included a media conference held on May 5, 2023, where authorities highlighted the growing threat to students.

Between January and April this year, 61 cases of online fraud involving university students were reported in Perak. Scammers used various tactics, including fake phone calls, e-commerce traps, bogus investments, and loan schemes. The total financial losses from these incidents reached RM303,372.36. The module emphasises proactive prevention strategies. Students are being trained to recognise fraud tactics and share this knowledge with peers and local communities. By equipping them with practical skills, police and university officials hope to reduce the number of victims.

The partnership between Perak police and UTP marks a direct response to rising fraud cases among students. The module’s focus on awareness and prevention seeks to cut financial losses and protect young adults from deception. Authorities will continue monitoring trends while encouraging wider public vigilance.