Love scams and fake investments cost Terengganu RM21m in first half of 2026

Cybercrime has reached alarming levels in Terengganu, with the state recording a staggering RM21 million in losses due to various scams and fake investment schemes in the first half of 2026. The rising trend of commercial crime cases has left residents on high alert, and authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid falling prey to these sophisticated scams.

Background & Context

Terengganu has long been a hotspot for commercial crimes, with the state consistently recording a high number of cases in recent years. The increasing trend of cybercrime has been particularly concerning, with authorities attributing the rise to the growing sophistication of scammers and their tactics.

The state's commercial crime cases have seen a significant increase in total losses, with the first six months of this year recording a total loss of RM21,035,250.57, compared to RM20,198,493.73 in the same period last year. This worrying trend highlights the need for residents to be aware of the various scams and tactics employed by syndicates.

Key Details

According to the Terengganu police chief, Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairudin, cybercrime accounted for the highest number of cases at 980, followed by counterfeit currency (13 cases), offences under the Moneylenders Act 1951 (Amendment 2011) (12 cases), criminal breach of trust (three cases), and other cases (one case). The total number of arrests decreased to 402 in the first six months of this year, compared with 458 during the same period last year.

The police chief emphasized that the majority of the losses were due to cybercrime cases involving love scams, non-existent investment schemes, and phone scams, with a total loss of RM20,938,370.57. He warned the public to be aware of the various fraud tactics employed by syndicates, which are becoming increasingly widespread.

What Experts Say

Experts warn that the rising trend of cybercrime in Terengganu is a reflection of the growing sophistication of scammers and their tactics. "The internet has made it easier for scammers to reach a wider audience and to commit crimes with greater ease," said a cybersecurity expert. "It's essential for residents to be aware of the various scams and tactics employed by syndicates and to take necessary precautions to avoid falling prey to these crimes."

Key Takeaways

• Cybercrime has reached alarming levels in Terengganu, with RM21 million lost to various scams and fake investment schemes in the first half of 2026.
• The majority of the losses were due to cybercrime cases involving love scams, non-existent investment schemes, and phone scams.
• The total number of arrests decreased to 402 in the first six months of this year, compared with 458 during the same period last year.
• The public is urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid falling prey to these sophisticated scams.

What This Means For You

For residents in Terengganu, the rising trend of cybercrime means that they need to be extra cautious when it comes to online transactions and investments. It's essential to verify information through official channels before making any payments or investments. The public is also urged to report any suspicious activity to the authorities to help prevent these crimes from happening in the first place.

To stay safe, residents can take a few simple precautions, such as being cautious of unsolicited emails or messages, verifying the authenticity of investment schemes, and being wary of too-good-to-be-true offers. By being aware of the various scams and tactics employed by syndicates, residents can protect themselves from falling prey to these crimes.