Online shopping fraud cases surged in 2024 with over 35,000 cases and RM1.6 billion in losses. Klang Valley remains the most affected region accounting for 40% of the total cases. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, over 3,500 cases were reported, making it the highest recorded for a single quarter so far.
To combat online shopping fraud, Ninja Van Malaysia has partnered with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The initiative aims to increase consumer awareness as well as strengthen enforcement to protect online shoppers.
Ninja Van has identified three main forms of parcel fraud that are often used by syndicates to deceive consumers. One of these is cash on delivery fraud, where victims are forced to pay for parcels that were never ordered and often contain worthless or empty items.
Ghost Scams involve fraudsters posing as couriers using fake packages to convince victims to make payments or provide personal information. Phishing via SMS and fake links allows users’ personal data to be stolen through messages and links that are designed to appear authentic but are actually used to trick victims into illegal transactions.
Online shopping fraud is also a major challenge in commercial crime investigations with the Consumer Claims Tribunal playing a role in helping victims get justice. Fraud syndicates are increasingly organised, operating like corporate companies with dedicated departments such as human resources, marketing and training. More surprisingly, some victims choose to return to work with the syndicates because of the high income offers.
The collaboration between Ninja Van and PDRM is hoped to increase consumer protection and public awareness of the threat of courier fraud. Therefore, the public is advised to be more vigilant when dealing online by checking the authenticity of the seller and each transaction made to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.