“Anyone receiving a text mes sage from unknown sources promising prizes should report the matter to the police or their telecommunications service providers.

“The public is advised not to reveal any banking information such as account numbers or bank balances and not to transfer money to unknown accounts,” he said in Kuala Lumpur.

An example of such messages is: ‘TAHNIAH! Prepaid Anda Memenangi HADIAH WANG RM30,000 dari PETRONAS Sila call/telefon: +62XXXXXXXXXX Penghantar: PETRONAS Sender: +62XXXXXXXXXX’, he said.

Muhamad Tahir said among the organisations, products or popular shows that have been quoted in these scams are Petronas, Maxis, Hotlink, Celcom, DiGi, Gang Starz and Akademi Fantasia.

The messages claim that the users have either won prizes or have been selected as winners of lucky draws, he added.

He said that MCMC and the tel cos were co-operating with the police in their investigations of SMS-based fraud cases and are taking action to curb such scams.

Muhamad Tahir said the telcos have taken the initiative to educate and warn the public by pla cing notices on their websites, posting printed warnings at pay ment counters and sending alerts to their customers.

SMS-based fraud is an offence punishable under Section 420 of the Penal Code. Offenders are liable to be jailed between one and 10 years, whipped and fined, if convicted.

Consumers can lodge com plaints with the MCMC’s com plaints bureau by calling 1-800-888-030, e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or fax ing 03-86881880.