Last year alone, 871 online fraud cases were recorded during the Aidilfitri period, resulting in losses exceeding RM37.2 million. With the increase in online transactions during Ramadan and Hari Raya, scammers exploit the festive spirit to deceive people through fake job offers, donation scams, phishing attacks, and fraudulent investment schemes.
According to Palo Alto Networks’ Incident Response Report, cybercriminals are now leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their tactics. AI is being used to generate highly convincing phishing emails, automate malware creation, and bypass security defenses at an alarming rate. AI-driven ransomware simulations have shown that cyber-attacks can now happen up to 100 times faster than before, making it more critical than ever to stay alert and informed.
Sarene Lee, Country Manager, Malaysia at Palo Alto Networks, emphasised the importance of cybersecurity awareness during the festive season. “Scammers are taking advantage of the spike in online transactions during Ramadan and Hari Raya. With AI-powered threats evolving rapidly, it’s crucial for Malaysians to stay vigilant, verify sources before making any payments, and never share sensitive banking information such as OTPs or SecureTAC. A moment of caution can prevent significant financial losses.”
According to Palo Alto Networks common scams during Hari Raya include:
- Deepfake Scams: Scammers use deepfake technology to impersonate well-known public figures, making fraudulent schemes more convincing. Videos or audio clips are manipulated to appear as though they are from celebrities, government officials, or bank representatives. These deepfaked voices may urge victims to donate to fake charities, invest in fraudulent schemes, or share sensitive information. Always verify unusual requests from public figures through official channels before taking action.
- Travel Ticket Fraud: Many Malaysians book flights and bus tickets to return to their hometowns during Hari Raya, creating opportunities for scammers. Fraudsters create fake travel websites or offer heavily discounted tickets through social media. Victims often realise too late that their bookings are fake. A total of 118 million Class 1 vehicles were recorded using highways over a six-day period during each major celebration last year, highlighting the scale of festive travel. To stay safe, always book tickets through verified airline and bus company websites and avoid making payments through unofficial channels.
- Counterfeit Online Shopping Deals: Scammers take advantage of the festive season by offering fake “Hari Raya discounts” on non-existent or counterfeit products. Victims make payments but never receive their orders. To avoid this, shop only from reputable e-commerce platforms and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
To protect yourself this Hari Raya, it is crucial to stay vigilant. Never share your OTP or SecureTAC with anyone, and be cautious of any unexpected messages or calls requesting personal information. Always verify the legitimacy of online sellers and charities before making payments or donations. Avoid downloading applications from unknown sources, as they may contain hidden malware. Most importantly, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, awareness and caution are the best defenses. By staying informed and practicing safe online habits, Malaysians can enjoy a festive and fraud-free Hari Raya celebration.
