Telegram leads as most popular platform for scammers, reports CCID Director

KUALA LUMPUR: According to Bukit Aman, Telegram has emerged as the top platform for online scammers.

Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf, Director of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID), reported that out of 16 social media and messaging applications frequently used by scammers, Telegram is the most prevalent, with 1,346 reported cases.

Comm Ramli called on technology and service providers to take greater responsibility for the content on their platforms, especially concerning online scams. He noted that similar measures have been implemented internationally, such as the recent legal action taken against the CEO of Telegram in France for allowing criminal activities on the platform.

“It may be time for us to adopt a similar approach given the surge in unverified content that poses a threat to society,” he stated during a press conference at the CCID headquarters on Friday (Sept 6).

In related news, Comm Ramli revealed that a 49-year-old man lost nearly RM5 million in an online investment scam. The victim, a company director, was enticed by an “investment opportunity” in December 2022, which promised annual returns of up to US$2.9 million (approximately RM12.5 million).

“Believing in the offer, the victim transferred RM4,328,750 to an overseas account belonging to the so-called ‘investment company’. Unfortunately, he has not received any returns to date,” Comm Ramli added.