TIKTOK ACCOUNTS USE AI IMAGE OF JOHOR EXCO IN BKJ SCAM -- POLICE

JOHOR BAHRU, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- Police have received a report regarding the abuse of the image and voice of Johor Women, Family and Community Development Committee chairman, Khairin-Nisa Ismail@Md On in a suspected scam.

Using artificial intelligence (AI), the fake image was used to spread false information regarding Bantuan Kasih Johor (BKJ), believed to be for fraud.

Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the police report was made by the exco, who is also Serom assemblyman on Feb 20.

He said in collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), police had detected 12 TikTok accounts used to carry out the fraudulent activities.

"The results of the initial investigation found that the accounts were operating overseas. Some of the accounts were also detected to have been opened since Feb 9," he said at a press conference at the Johor police contingent headquarters, here today.

Ab Rahaman said the accounts, which asked victims to enter information including bank account numbers and telephone numbers upon clicking on the website links which were believed to be used to steal personal information.

"What is worrying is that this (BKJ-related fraud) will also make the public think that all citizens can get (BKJ), when it is only for those who are eligible, so we do not want the public to be deceived," he said.

In this regard, he said the account is being further investigated to identify the real owner and the involvement of any party in fraudulent activities or the dissemination of false information.

Ab Rahaman said the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) is also working with MCMC so that the account and website can be taken down immediately.

"We also do not rule out the possibility of the existence of various accounts as a planned modus operandi that uses Al technology to imitate the personalities of high-profile individuals to increase public trust," he said.

He however said no victims have been identified or any financial losses reported so far.

The public is also advised not to browse suspicious websites that use the state government symbol and are asked to refer to reliable official channels first.

The case is being investigated under Section 420/511 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

-- BERNAMA