SHAH ALAM - Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) has today called attention to the dangers of financial scams and 'get rich quick' schemes amidst the rise of white-collar crimes plaguing the Ummah.
In this week’s Friday sermon, JAIPk cautioned the Ummah on criminals utilising new digital means that is often carried out by young people to trick or confuse their victims in order to get their personal information or finances for their own self-gratification.
Citing statistics by the Perak police, JAIPk revealed that 1,298 investigation papers have been opened on scamming activities which involved an estimated RM32 million in losses for 2021 alone.
JAIPk also reminded their fellow Muslims not to be easily influenced by the 'get rich quick schemes' and stressed the need for people to verify the information they received with friends and family or any other credible sources to avoid being a victim.
"Wealth could not be obtained so easily as if you were rubbing Aladdin’s lamp. That is why you must be mindful not to be a victim of scams.
"Do not be too excited to make a haste decision where the consequence is severe,’’ according to the sermon.
JAIPk then brought attention to the types of scams or modus operandi that is being employed by criminal in the country such as the Macam scam, love scams, parcel scams, scams through Whatsapp, fake job offers online, fake loan schemes and fake investments.
The state religious authority also listed eight methods to deter people from being a victim.
1. Do not entertain unknown numbers or immediately cut off the phone call if in doubt.
2. Always verify the agency or the company that is supposedly represented by the scammer.
3. Never reveal banking details to any unknown parties.
4. Do not share private information with unknown individuals.
5. Do not be easily persuaded with false promises or honeyed words by the people you met online.
6. Do not take immediate action on any banking transfers to unknown individuals or parties.
7. Check all banking details before submitting any payments.
8. Verify the background of the people or agencies that are offering jobs, loans or investments if it is too good to be true.