Cybercrime cases expected to rise due to AI

KUALA LUMPUR - Police anticipate an increase in cybercrime cases in the near future due to the rapid advancement of technology, particularly through the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said AI experts and scientists were now deeply concerned about the rapid development of the modern communication world, which can be easily exploited for criminal purposes.

"The level of public awareness is still very low when it comes to those who are easily deceived by the tricks of online fraud syndicates.

"Some victims, even though they are aware of the activities of these scammers through media reports and from friends or family, still fall into the trap.

"They claimed to be hypnotised over the phone," he said when contacted by Sinar Harian, today.

Ramli said the police were constantly reminding the public to be cautious and never disclose personal details to suspicious individuals.

"As much as possible, do not entertain calls from unknown individuals.

"We will conduct campaigns at all levels throughout the country through CCID officers at the state and district levels.

"Moreover, the highest leadership of the police are also actively campaigning to raise public awareness," he said.

He added that the public can contact the 997 hotline to report fraud activities 24 hours a day.

"If reported promptly, we can prevent the money from being transferred to another account," he said.

On Sept 11, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when presenting the motion for the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) in Parliament, said nearly 55,000 cybercrime cases with losses amounting to RM1.8 billion were reported from 2021 until July, this year.

In this regard, the government will amend existing laws to enhance the effectiveness of combating cybercrime," he said.