An individual is suspected of using AI-generated images of a woman posing as a Datuk to attract the public to investment schemes and charitable activities.
MCA Public Services and Complaints Bureau chief Datuk Seri Michael Chong said those suspected of being involved had also allegedly used the identities of several prominent Malaysian figures to convince the public that the woman had connections to influential individuals.
The identities allegedly used included the Prime Minister and both the former and current Inspector-General of Police (IGP), through Facebook posts promoting the woman.
Chong said the suspected modus operandi involved using an honorary title and supposed links to influential figures to build trust before drawing people towards investment opportunities and charitable activities.
He said the suspicious Facebook activity was first detected last week.
“At first, we thought this was nothing unusual. But after looking into it more closely, we found that the Prime Minister’s identity had been used, followed by those of the former IGP and the current IGP.
“That was when the matter became very serious,” he said at a press conference.
Chong said the woman was presented as holding the title of Datuk, but his team had been unable to verify that she possessed a recognised Malaysian honorary title.
He also alleged that the woman’s identity and images had been generated using artificial intelligence (AI).
According to Chong, the Facebook account continued publishing posts despite reportedly being taken down and reactivated several times.
He expressed concern that the use of honorary titles and prominent figures’ identities could mislead the public into believing the woman was legitimate and connected to influential people.
However, he said his bureau had yet to receive any complaints from individuals claiming to have lost money through the account.
“So far, we have not received any complaints,” he said.
Chong added that it was difficult to determine whether those behind the activity were operating locally or overseas.
“We cannot say with 100% certainty that they are foreigners, nor can we say with 100% certainty that they are locals,” he said.
Nevertheless, he suspected possible local involvement because the account operators appeared familiar with prominent Malaysian figures and the groups of people who could be targeted.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Dato’ and Datuk Council (MDDM) deputy head of legal affairs Datuk Joy Appukuttan said the council had encountered cases involving individuals allegedly using fake or unrecognised titles to attract investors.
“They begin using titles they claim to hold to attract and influence people in the businesses and dealings they want to pursue,” he said.
He said such activities were concerning when members of the public were persuaded to invest money based on their trust in individuals claiming to hold honorary titles.
He urged the public to verify the authenticity of honorary titles with the relevant authorities before placing their trust in anyone claiming to possess them.
