How to Protect Yourself From AI Voice-Cloning and Deepfake Scams in Malaysia

AI has handed scammers new tools, and Malaysians are being urged to slow down before trusting a voice or a video. Voice cloning can copy a person’s speech from short audio clips, producing calls or voice notes that sound like a colleague or family member.

Police have also warned of “silent call” scams, in which fraudsters mimic a victim’s voice to deceive their family. Deepfake videos of public figures are used to promote fake investments, and one report found that 85 per cent of victims were persuaded by such videos.

“It Sounded Just Like My Brother”: Why You Should Never Trust a Voice Alone

Experts’ advice starts with not trusting caller names or SMS sender labels alone. Families are also advised to agree on a “safe word” that only close relatives know, to confirm identity in a suspicious situation.

Before sending money to a new account, check it on police’s Semak Mule portal. Victims should call the National Scam Response Centre on 997 within 30 minutes of a transaction so quick action can be taken.

The law is catching up. The Cybercrime Bill 2026 repeals the Computer Crimes Act 1997, widens impersonation offences to cover AI manipulation, lets courts freeze assets before a suspect is charged, and covers offenders based overseas.

It passed the Dewan Rakyat on 1 July and the Dewan Negara on 20 July, and takes effect on a date to be appointed by the minister.