MCMC, cops bust attempt to phish data through SMS in Cheras

Suspect detained after stopping car by the road to send texts to active users nearby, communications equipment seized to help with probe

In a joint operation, MCMC and police have foiled an attempt at data phishing via SMS in Cheras yesterday. – Scoop file pic, June 21, 2024

PUTRAJAYA – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and police foiled a data phishing attempt via SMS in a joint operation yesterday. 

MCMC said in a statement today that a suspect had been detained in the operation for phishing in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur yesterday after they had stopped his vehicle by the roadside to send phishing SMS to active line users in the area. 

“The suspect’s activities were identified using a spectrum analysis by a telecommunications service provider for spectrum readings broadcast by communication equipment they owned, which also disrupted the network service quality,” the commission said. 

Communication equipment, including mobile phones, a GSM blaster, an antenna transceiver and a laptop connected to the vehicle, believed to have been used by the suspect to send SMS to deceive phone users, were also seized. 

The commission also said the case is being investigated under Section 233, 238 and 239 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Regulation 16 of the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2022. 

MCMC also urged those who come across suspicious vehicles with communication equipment connected like that used by the suspect to report directly to the commission or police. – June 21, 2024