The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) recorded a loss of BND5 million in 2024 due to online scams, a significant increase from BND2.4 million in 2023.
This was revealed during a Crime Prevention Talk Against Scams for 35 parents and teachers from Chung Hua Middle School, Kuala Belait at the school’s auditorium led by the Cyber Crime Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department, RBPF.
Chief Inspector Adinin bin Haji Ahmad, an officer from the division, delivering the presentation explained how scammers’ target victims by exploiting their emotions.
To help prevent harm from scams, the talk also explored prevention strategies through safe online practices, such as securing personal information and avoiding suspicious links. The brief also introduced different cybercrimes prevalent in Brunei, such as e-commerce scams, investment scams, job scams, phishing scams and romance scams. Chief Inspector Adinin elaborated on how online scams are perpetrated through various applications, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram and TikTok.
The talk also emphasised the importance of reporting scams and understanding the legal consequences for scammers and those who act as ‘money mules’ by sharing their accounts.
The school’s principal, Dr Chong Kui Kian, expressed gratitude to the division and the RBPF for sharing their knowledge and expertise in raising awareness about cybercrime and safeguarding the community.
Dr Chong Kui Kian highlighted the importance of staying informed, educated, and vigilant in an increasingly digital age, where cybercrimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
She also thanked the parents and guardians for their participation, as it creates new avenues for raising awareness of the dangers of scams among their networks. – Daniel Lim
