DURING the first movement control order (MCO 1.0) in March last year, businesses and stores deemed non-essential were ordered to close and only one person per household allowed to leave the house to buy essential items. As a result, most Malaysians resorted to online services to purchase essential items and to fulfil their shopping needs.
This has led to an increase in number of online shopping scams last year. Based on Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) records, the number of complaints on online transactions fraud last year showed an increase of 11,510 complaints compared to 5,414 in 2019.
As a measure to protect consumers from becoming victims of scammers or online fraud, KPDNHEP plans to introduce a special online business licence.
Deputy Minister Datuk Rosol Wahid said through the licence, sellers would be subject to conditions while consumers would be able to make online purchases without worrying about the legitimacy and reputation of traders.
“The special online business licence is one of the effective measures to combat scammers and we will try to enforce this licence immediately,” he told reporters after attending the Consumer’s Choice Award today.
Rosol added that the risk of fraudulent online transactions can be avoided by checking the seller’s bank account number before making any money transfer.
“For example, the Royal Malaysia Police Commercial Crime Investigation Department has a website and application known as ‘Semak Mule CCID’ for user to make initial check such as the seller’s bank account or phone number,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Rosol shared that the National Consumer action Council (MTPN) is also developing a mobile application called ‘identic’ to enable users to identify and report fraudulent accounts via a few simple steps.
“The app will record user reports against the scammer’s bank account so that other users can be informed of the case and avoid being scammed through the same account,” he explained.
“At the same time, this app will also be able to verify authentic reliable and reputable sellers as well as increase the confidence of potential buyers.” – March 28, 2021
