Cybersecurity Malaysia shares advice on how to avoid scams

SHAH ALAM - Online digital banking has eased transactions, but it has also exposed users to the risk of fraud and scams and thus Cybersecurity Malaysia (CSM) wants the public note some general advice to aboid becoming victims of scammers.

Firstly, be cautious with unsolicited messages. Scammers often use unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages to reach their targets. Be careful with any messages that you receive from unknown sources or that you were not expecting.

"Personal details should not be shared. Avoid sharing personal information with anyone, particularly if you don't know them well or have no reason to trust them, such as your social security number, bank account information, or credit card numbers.

"Check before you act. If you receive a request for money or sensitive information, make sure the individual or organisation is who they say they are. Scammers frequently impersonate legitimate businesses or individuals in order to deceive their victims," it said in a statement.

Another step is to make sure to use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and avoid reusing the same password across multiple accounts.

Make sure your software is up-to-date. It is important for you to regularly update your software and operating system to prevent vulnerabilities that scammers could exploit.

"You must follow your instincts. If something appears to be too good to be true, it most likely is. If you have any reservations about a specific offer or communication, it is always best to take the extra step of caution and decline it." Remember that being aware of common scams and following these guidelines can help you avoid becoming a victim of scammers.