KUALA LUMPUR: The use of deepfake technology in scams is becoming an alarming trend, with criminals now able to convincingly impersonate victims' friends or acquaintances.
Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said that 454 scam cases involving deepfake technology had been reported this year, resulting in total losses of RM2.272 million.
"The most common method involves fraudsters sending WhatsApp messages to victims, pretending to be a friend in distress and requesting financial help. Victims are then asked to transfer money to a mule account," he said during a press conference today.
He said a recent twist in these scams was the use of deepfake technology to mimic the voice of a victim's acquaintance.
"In a case reported by the Kuala Terengganu district police on Aug 23, a 63-year-old travel agent was duped into transferring RM49,800 to a scammer who convincingly impersonated a friend over the phone. The police do not rule out the possibility that deepfake technology was used to replicate the friend's voice," he added.
Further investigations under the Penal Code for cheating are underway, with two more reports filed on August 23 in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
In Kuala Lumpur, a 26-year-old interior designer lost RM3,000 after being contacted by a scammer posing as a friend in need, while in Penang, a 50-year-old housewife was tricked into transferring RM4,800 to someone claiming to have lost their wallet and phone.
Ramli warned that this method of scamming is expected to persist and urged the public to take precautions.
"What you see and hear can now be easily faked. Do not trust everything displayed on your computer or mobile screen, and be cautious about what you hear. If someone contacts you claiming to be a friend in need, always verify by calling them using a number you have already saved," he advised.
He also said that it was important to be wary when asked to transfer money to bank accounts registered under another person's name.
"If someone asks you to send money to a third-party account, please do not do it. This is a common tactic used by scammers, often accompanied by excuses such as 'my account has issues, and I can't withdraw money right now.' Don't fall for these tricks," he added.