Digital marketing is a rapidly growing industry, with businesses all over the world investing in online advertising to reach their target audience. However, as the industry grows, so do the opportunities for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals and companies. In Malaysia, there have been numerous reports of digital marketing scams, making it crucial for businesses to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect themselves.
What are Digital Marketing Scams?
Digital marketing scams refer to fraudulent activities that take advantage of businesses by offering them services that are either low quality, non-existent, or overpriced. The scammers often promise quick and easy results, such as increased website traffic and higher search engine rankings, but deliver little to no results.
Some common types of digital marketing scams include:
- Fake SEO services: These scammers claim to be able to improve a website’s search engine rankings by using unethical methods, such as keyword stuffing and link farming. However, these practices can actually harm a website’s search engine rankings, causing long-term damage.
- Paid traffic scams: These scammers offer to send a large amount of traffic to a website in exchange for a fee. However, the traffic is usually generated by bots and does not result in any real conversions or sales.
- Social media scams: These scammers claim to be able to increase a business’s social media following and engagement, but in reality, they use fake accounts and bots to inflate the numbers.
How to Avoid Digital Marketing Scams
To avoid falling victim to a digital marketing scam, it is important to do thorough research before investing in any online advertising services. Here are some tips to help you avoid scams:
- Check the company’s reputation: Look for online reviews and testimonials from previous clients to see if they have a good track record of delivering results.
- Ask for references: Contact the company’s previous clients to see if they were satisfied with the results they received.
- Avoid promises of quick and easy results: Legitimate digital marketing services take time and effort to deliver results. If a company promises quick and easy results, it is likely a scam.
- Be wary of companies that use pressure tactics: Scammers often try to pressure individuals into making a decision quickly, without giving them time to research the company and its services.
- Research the company’s services: Make sure you understand what the company is offering and that their services are in line with your goals and expectations.
IN MALAYSIA, HOW DO I REPORT A SCAMMER?Sadly, if you have been defrauded, gather your proof. If there are any transactions, get in touch with your bank right away to stop them. The following move you must take is file a formal police report together with all of your transactions and communication logs so that the right authorities may take the necessary legal action against them. Did you know that an online scammer might spend up to three years in prison if found guilty under Section 415 of the Penal Code?
CALLING AUTHORITIES
The sender’s identity and contact information, screenshots or other proof of the job ads’ fraud, such as chat history, the profile of the person or organisation, bank information, payment receipts (if any), and even social media accounts, if possible, should all be gathered. After filing a police report, you can use the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s (MCMC) online complaint system to file a complaint. You can also use SEMAKMULE, a PDRM portal, and Bank Negara Malaysia to look up any bank accounts and phone numbers that the syndicates may have been using.
TL:DR
If you’ve skimmed right through to this summary portion, we encourage you to take some time to go through the article. As a Public Service Announcement (PSA), be sure to maintain constant online vigilance and be aware of every scam case in Malaysia, as well as messages promising you quick money when you complete a variety of chores.
Once more, be sure to keep track of any financial transactions occurring in your bank accounts and report any suspicious activities to the aforementioned authorities!
Rozzario digital Agency Malaysia would never resort to soliciting sensitive information through any third-party channels.
