Seniors Lose RM900M to Online Scams in Two Years, Says Bukit Aman

KUALA LUMPUR — Online fraud continues to target older Malaysians, with victims aged 50 and above suffering the highest losses, according to the Royal Malaysia Police.

From 2022 to 2023, nearly 60,000 people fell victim to online scams, with 18.6% (11,157) aged 50 and above. As of December 15 this year, 24% of the 33,549 cases involved victims from this age group. While the number of older victims is lower, they account for 44% of total losses — over RM900 million in 2022 and 2023 alone. This year, losses for seniors have already reached RM780 million, or 54% of total losses, totaling RM1.45 billion.

Bukit Aman’s Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf warned that older individuals remain a prime target for fraud syndicates and urged families to stay vigilant and educate loved ones about online scams. Additionally, 6,909 e-commerce fraud cases were recorded this year, causing losses of RM62 million.