Kota Kinabalu: Cybersecurity expert Teh Chuan Khoon said people should think twice before clicking on any links sent through social media and messaging apps as con artists are now using advanced technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to trick people.
He gave the advice in view of instances where Malaysians, including young Sabahans, continue to fall victim to online scams.
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“Do not click on any link sent through SMS or Facebook, especially Facebook. These links are an easy way to get scammed,” Teh said when met after giving his cyber threat awareness talk, organised by the Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, here, Saturday.
He said fraudsters are now targeting popular platforms like email, Instagram and Telegram.
“Scammers create fake group chats with up to 40 people and show fake bank statements claiming they made huge profits to trick victims.
“They show bank statements saying they earned so much money. Do not fall for it because these are all scammers,” he said.
Teh also noted cases of young Malaysians being tricked by fake overseas job offers, which led to them being kidnapped and held captive in countries like Cambodia.
Daily Express has previously reported on young Sabahans who accepted job offers abroad, only to find themselves trapped as scam victims in Southeast Asian countries.
“They target jobless people. They offer attractive salaries in US dollars, Singapore dollars... some even claim jobs in Abu Dhabi,” Teh said.
“My advice to young people is to learn new skills and continue your education instead of chasing quick money, especially overseas.
“My friend’s brother went from Singapore and is now trapped in Cambodia with little hope of being rescued,” he added.
For Sabahans who are not familiar with technology, Teh advised them to simply avoid clicking any links received online.
He pointed out the importance of double-checking information, even when contacted by people they know.
“Even if your friend asks you for money, you must verify first because your friend’s account might have been hacked,” he said.
Teh said scammers are increasingly using AI technology to create believable fake testimonials and success stories on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Telegram.
“Do not believe everything they say, because these are all created by fake AI,” he said.
“When someone offers you something that sounds too good to be true, do not rush into it unless you know the person very well. Even if you know them well, think twice before accepting.
“Young people should focus on finding local jobs first. Think about improving your skills and continuing your studies instead of chasing quick money through overseas job offers advertised on social media,” he said.
Earlier during the cyber threat awareness talk, Teh said people are leaving themselves open to hackers because of poor online safety habits.
“The best way to protect your money is to use a separate phone for your banking apps,” he said.
Teh said this dedicated banking phone should have no more than six apps installed, with no WiFi connection and no social media apps like WhatsApp, Instagram or Facebook.
“Turn off your mobile data when you are not using the banking app. At night, switch off both data and WiFi completely,” he said.
He added that this phone should never connect to public WiFi and should be turned off when not needed.
“Bank transfer limits should also be set at a maximum of RM2,000 to reduce losses if something goes wrong.
“Only give this phone number to your bank and close family members. Never share it with friends or business contacts,” he said.
Teh said all online accounts, especially bank accounts, must have two-factor authentication turned on, even if they already use one-time passwords (OTP).
“Your password must be eight to 16 characters long and include capital letters, small letters and special symbols like + or :. Do not use your mother’s name, your account number or anything that is easy to guess,” he said.
He also shared tips on handling suspicious calls, noting that scammers usually call late at night or very early in the morning, around 3am or midnight.
“If an unknown number calls, do not answer right away. Never say ‘hello’ first if you do pick up,” Teh said.
“Do not call back immediately. If it is important, they will call again within five minutes. Better still, send them a text or WhatsApp message asking them to contact you there instead. If they cannot do that, it is probably a scam,” he said.
He urged people to block unknown numbers straight away instead of just ignoring them, as scammers often keep calling back.
Teh also pointed out simple safety steps many people forget about.
“Cover your laptop camera with tape or a sticky note when you are not using it. Hackers can switch on your camera without you knowing.
“If your laptop camera is open, I can see you. I can get into your laptop and see everything,” he said.
He urged people not to trust anyone claiming they can recover hacked Facebook, WhatsApp or Instagram accounts.
“There is no such thing. Once they say they can help you, all your information is gone,” he said.
Teh also advised people to never open suspicious emails or text messages, especially those offering free services or prizes. These should be deleted immediately without opening.
On top of online threats, Teh also spoke about offline fraud and shared a case where his friend lost land worth RM60 million after corrupt officials illegally transferred the ownership.
“The court case has been going on for years and is only now close to being settled.
“If you own land, check on it regularly. Do not assume everything is okay. People can sell it without your knowledge and you will be stuck in court for years,” he said.
