Beware of Online Scams This Hari Raya: How to Stay Safe

With online fraud cases surpassing RM37 million last festive season, cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks warns of deepfake cons, fake travel deals, and phishing scams.

As Malaysians ramp up online shopping and travel bookings for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, cybercriminals are deploying sophisticated AI-powered scams to exploit the festive rush, warns cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks.

Alarming trends that you need to watch out for:

RM37.2 million was lost in 871 reported scams during Hari Raya 2023.
AI-generated deepfakes now impersonate celebrities, officials, and bank staff to trick victims into fake donations or investments.
Fake travel tickets and “too-good-to-be-true” shopping discounts flood social media, capitalizing on the surge in festive transactions.

Sarene Lee, Palo Alto Networks’ Malaysia Country Manager, mentioned:
“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.”

Top 3 scams to watch out for

Deepfake Fraud
Fraudsters use manipulated videos/audio of public figures to solicit money.
How to defend yourself: Verify unusual requests through official channels (e.g., call your bank directly).
Travel Ticket Scams
Fake websites or social media ads offer discounted flights/bus tickets.
How to defend yourself: Book only through verified platforms (e.g., airline websites, MySejahtera Travel).
Counterfeit E-Commerce Deals
Non-existent “Hari Raya discounts” on gadgets, clothing, or vouchers.
How to defend yourself: Stick to trusted platforms (Shopee, Lazada) and check seller reviews.

Protective Measures

✅ Never share OTPs/SecureTAC codes, even with “bank officers.”
✅ Avoid downloading apps from unofficial links.
✅ Double-check URLs (e.g., scam sites may use slight misspellings like “Mayb2ank.com”).

Stay safe, and Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri! Feel free to click here for more reading materials!