When fraud pays on Facebook

 Giant greed: According to internal documents reviewed by Reuters, Meta projected that roughly 10% of its 2024 revenue – around US$16bil – came from advertisements tied to scams, banned goods and other fraudulent content. — Reuters

Fake content and scam advertisements are a bane on social media. But it gets worse when platform owners actively allow such content just to make millions.

Wong CHUN WAI National Journalism Laureate Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai is the chairman of Bernama. The views expressed here are solely the writer’s own.

16 Nov 2025

A MONTH ago, I found a video of myself on social media promoting an investment scam promising huge returns.

I was flabbergasted and horrified. The content looked like a TV interview I had given sometime back.

The difference was that my voice had been altered, using artificial intelligence (AI) skills, to talk about investment opportunities.

The original content was on human capital and the importance of training. The modified content, using the AI version of my voice, sounded just like the real thing. It was so good it was hard to tell the difference.

I do not know why I was chosen by these scammers as I do not see my unsolicited endorsement to be of any real value.

But this is the story. I filed a complaint with Facebook on Oct 1 and they replied on Oct 8, thanking me for the report.

“We use a combination of technology and human reviewers and identify content that goes against our Community Standards. In this case, we did not remove the content that you reported,” the reply said.

As I wrote this article, I re-checked and found the content still floating around on FB, promising that “every Malaysian who invests from RM1,200 is guaranteed to earn at least RM210,000 in the first month!” It adds: “Limited spots available.”

In short, Facebook owner Meta did not see anything wrong with the fake content using my face and voice to cheat people. Meta’s reply was mind-boggling and made me feel helpless about combating such fraud.

Last week, Datuk Seri Michael Chong cautioned the public against fraudulent schemes that employ AI to replicate the faces and voices of the Prime Minister and Yang di-pertuan Agong to dupe unsuspecting individuals.

The MCA Public Service and Complaints Bureau chief said he had identified two online advertisements featuring the PM and King. When they were reported, the ads were removed, but the syndicate had re-uploaded similar content, this time using the face sofa nm panda prominent business figure.

Using AI, the syndicate created investment advertisements requiring a payment of RM1,100 while promising returns of up to RM200,000.

Why did Facebook fail to act? Well, we may know now. An investigation by Reuters has cast a harsh light on the business practices of Meta Platforms Inc, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp.

According to internal documents reviewed by Reuters, Meta projected that roughly 10% of its 2024 revenue – around Us$16bil (Rm66.72bil) – came from advertisements tied to scams, banned goods, and other fraudulent content.

What is deeply troubling is that the documents suggest that Meta’s enforcement efforts against these bad actors were intentionally limited, constrained by “revenue guardrails” and automated systems that only block ads when there is at least a 95% certainty of fraud.

For Malaysia and for users of social media everywhere, the implications are profound.

This is not just about one tech giant’s failure; it is about the structural tensions between platform profit models and user protection, and the regulatory void that allows serious harm to happen.

In Malaysia, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has already expressed alarm, noting that some of that revenue could stem from Malaysian-market ads, and has summoned Meta for answers.

Allowing platforms to be used for such scams and profiting from it makes Meta an accomplice to such cybercrimes.

These platforms should be held to account for the content they host and monetise.

If a platform is earning money from fraud-linked ads, that raises questions of complicity, not just oversight failure.

When a company’s business model allows or even subtly incentivises questionable advertisers, that means it does not value ethics.

It has been reported that Meta internally estimated the scale of “high-risk” scam advertisements at Us$15bil (Rm61.9bil) of such ads per day across its platforms.

The company’s justification is that it will only block advertiser accounts when automated systems are 95% sure the advertiser is engaging in fraud.

If it is not absolutely certain, it just charges them higher ad rates – effectively profiting from uncertainty.

In my case, despite my protest, we can assume that Meta did not find enough evidence that it was a fraud.

It was a case of “looks like you, sounds like you but we are not sure it’s a fraud despite your complaint”.

A Reuters report on Nov 11 said that “Meta knowingly profits off of them” – meaning the social media giant knew about ads for fake products and scam posts and projected that it could earn up to Us$16bil from running these ads featuring banned goods or scamming posts.

Meta is so powerful that it can snub protests and calls from regulators requiring it to publish clear data on scam advertising volumes and the ad revenue derived from them.

If the company doesn’t have any ethics why would it care two hoots about accountability? It knows the world is addicted to its products.

Responsibility does not seem to exist in the company statement.

The only way out is to teach Malaysians how to identify scam ads, report suspicious content, and hold platforms and advertisers to account.

Digital literacy is a frontline defence, and also, simply stop being greedy. If it sounds too good to be true, then it’s a scam.

Meta knows we are hooked on Whatsapp, Instagram and Facebook, and the world will not function a day without these products. It is untouchable.

We have miserably consented and surrendered all our personal data to Meta to use these products for free.

Now you know why and how these scammers get our details. Meta is enriching itself, and each time regulators want to haul it up, it cries that it’s an assault on the platforms.

Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang, and has served The Star for over 35 years in various capacities and roles. He is now group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. On The Beat made its debut on Feb 23 1997 and Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for the occasional press holiday when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star.

• https://twitter.com/chunwai09

Major consumer fix for car loans

 

New rules on the way: A woman viewing a car to buy at a Proton showroom in Petaling Jaya. The recently passed Hire Purchase (Amendment) Bill 2025 abolishes the front-loaded interest method for fixed-rate hire purchase loans and replaces it with the reducing balance system. — AZHAR

Economists say legal amendments will improve fairness in auto financing

PETALING JAYA: The newly passed Hire Purchase (Amendment) Bill 2025 which will overhaul how interest is calculated for fixed-rate car loans, marks a major reform in consumer credit, say economists.

The change, they say, was long overdue, describing it as a major step forward for consumer fairness and financial literacy.

The Bill, approved by the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 8, abolishes the long-criticised flat rate and Rule of 78 interest methods and replaces them with the reducing balance system and effective interest rate (EIR) calculation.

ALSO READ: Consumer groups hail amended Bill

Under the old Rule of 78, borrowers effectively paid more interest at the start of the loan, leaving them with little benefit even if they settled their hire purchase early.

The new reducing balance method, however, calculates interest only on the outstanding loan amount, making repayment fairer and more transparent.

Putra Business School economist Assoc Prof Dr Ida Yasin said the move would bring Malaysia in line with global standards and make loan structures easier for consumers to understand.

“In the past, interest was charged on the full loan amount even after you have paid off half of it.

“With the reducing balance system, interest is only calculated on what you still owe, which is a more equitable and accurate reflection of your debt,” she said.

Ida also agreed that the reform represented a move toward fairness, adding that the reducing balance system was “better than before” because it corrected a long-standing imbalance between lenders and consumers.

The Bill, tabled by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, is now at the Dewan Negara.

Once passed by the Senate, it will await royal assent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong before being gazetted and enforced on a date to be announced by the ministry.

It also provides an 18-month transition period for banks and finance companies to fully implement the new calculation system.

Ida said the timeframe was “realistic and doable”, given the need for system upgrades, but added that many consumers were eager to see it implemented sooner because of the clear benefits.

“We would like to see it enforced as quickly as possible, but 18 months is a practical timeline for the industry to adapt,” she added.

The Bill has been welcomed by car buyers and consumer groups, who say it ensured fairer treatment for borrowers and encouraged responsible lending.

Economist Prof Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai said the amendment corrected long-standing imbalances that favoured lenders under Rule 78.

“Previously, borrowers paid most of their interest in the first half of the loan tenure, meaning early settlements gave them little savings.

“The reducing balance method fixes that, as interest is now charged only on the remaining loan amount,” he said, adding that the change could also boost vehicle demand, as car ownership would feel more affordable.

“Borrowers will have more incentive to take shorter loan terms and repay early.

“For used-car buyers, whose loans are typically shorter, this makes a meaningful difference,” he added.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the reform would not drastically change loan costs but would improve transparency.

“Borrowers will understand their true repayment rates and be able to make better comparisons across banks,” he said, adding that the introduction of EIR would also help promote financial literacy and more informed borrowing decisions.

“As consumers become more aware of how banking products are structured and priced, they’ll make wiser choices.

“This is a shift toward better practice and a more transparent market,” he said.

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• Consumer groups hail amended Bill

Xi says ready to work with Trump to build solid foundation for bilateral ties

 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in Busan, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang JBy Xinhuaingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday that he is ready to continue working with U.S. President Donald Trump to build a solid foundation for bilateral ties, and create a sound atmosphere for the development of both countries.

In a meeting with Trump, Xi said under their joint guidance, China-U.S. relations have remained stable on the whole.

"China and the United States should be partners and friends. That is what history has taught us and what reality needs," he said.

Given different national conditions, the two sides do not always see eye to eye with each other, and it is normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then, Xi added.

"You and I are at the helm of China-U.S. relations," said Xi. "In the face of winds, waves and challenges, we should stay the right course, navigate through the complex landscape, and ensure the steady sailing forward of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations."

Xi said that there is a good momentum in China's economic development, adding that in the first three quarters of this year, China's economy increased by 5.2 percent, and import and export trade in goods with the rest of the world expanded by 4 percent.

This is not an easy accomplishment given the domestic and external difficulties, Xi noted, adding that the Chinese economy is like a vast ocean, big, resilient and promising.

"We have the confidence and capability to navigate all kinds of risks and challenges," Xi added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in Busan, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

At its fourth plenary session, the 20th CPC Central Committee deliberated over and adopted the recommendations for the economic and social development plan over the next five years, Xi said.

"Over the past seven decades and more, we have been working from generation to generation on the same blueprint to make it a reality. We have no intention to challenge or supplant anyone. Our focus has always been on managing China's own affairs well, improving ourselves, and sharing development opportunities with all countries across the world," he added.

Describing that as an important secret to China's success, Xi said China will further deepen reform across the board, expand opening up, and promote higher-quality economic growth while achieving an appropriate increase in economic output, and advance well-rounded human development and common prosperity for all, adding that this will also expand the space for cooperation between China and the United States.

Xi noted that the two countries' economic and trade teams had an in-depth exchange of views on important economic and trade issues, and reached consensus on solving various issues.

He called on the two teams to work out and finalize the follow-up steps as soon as possible, and ensure that the common understandings are effectively upheld and implemented, to inject confidence into the two countries as well as the global economy through solid deliverables.

China-U.S. economic and trade relations have experienced ups and downs recently, and this has also given the two sides some insights, Xi noted.

The business relationship, Xi said, should continue to serve as the anchor and driving force for China-U.S. relations, not a stumbling block or a point of friction. 

The two sides should think big and recognize the long-term benefit of cooperation, and must not fall into a vicious cycle of mutual retaliation, he added, calling on the two teams to continue their talks in the spirit of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, and continuously shorten the list of problems and lengthen the list of cooperation.

Dialogue is better than confrontation, Xi said, adding that China and the United States should maintain communication through various channels and at various levels to enhance mutual understanding.

There is good potential for the two countries to work together on combating illegal immigration and telecom fraud, anti-money laundering, artificial intelligence, and responding to infectious diseases, he added.

The competent departments should strengthen dialogue and exchanges and carry out mutually beneficial cooperation, Xi said, adding that the two countries should also engage in positive interactions on regional and international platforms.

"The world today is confronted with many tough problems. China and the United States can jointly shoulder our responsibility as major countries, and work together to accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of our two countries and the whole world," he added.

China will host APEC 2026, and the United States the G20 summit next year, Xi noted.

The two sides can support each other in making both summits productive to promote world economic growth and improve global economic governance, he added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with U.S. President Donald Trump in Busan, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Noting that it was a great honor to meet with Xi, Trump said China is a great country and President Xi is a well respected great leader, with whom he has been good friends for many years and has always got along well.

The United States and China have always had a fantastic relationship, and it will be even better, said Trump, voicing his hope for an even better future for both China and the United States.

China is the biggest partner of the United States, and with joint efforts, the two countries can get many great things done for the world and have many years of success, said Trump.

China will host the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, while the United States will host the G20 Summit next year, said Trump, wishing both sides every success in these important events.

The two presidents have agreed to enhance cooperation in economic, trade, energy and other fields and to encourage more people-to-people exchanges.

They have also agreed to maintain interactions on a regular basis. Trump looked forward to visiting China early next year, and invited President Xi to visit the United States.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in Busan on Thursday to attend the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, and ...

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Does my cough mean I have pneumonia?

 

Pneumonia can be a potentially life-threatening infection, especially for vulnerable groups, and a cough is one of its common symptoms.

People who have pneumonia tend to have a productive cough, i.e. one that produces mucus or phelgm. — dpa

Coughs and colds are rife this time of year, but how can you tell when they might be a sign of something more serious, like pneumonia?

Recognising the difference between an ordinary cough and a potentially dangerous lung infection can play a crucial role in ensuring timely treatment and a smooth recovery.

To help clarify the signs, we spoke to British consultant general practitioner (GP) Dr Claire Agathou, who explained exactly what pneumonia is, what its key symptoms are, and when to seek medical advice.

What is pneumonia?

“Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs which causes inflammation in the tiny air sacs in the lungs, which are called alveoli, which then fill with fluid or pus,” Dr Agathou explains.

“This makes it much harder for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream, which leads to coughing, breathlessness and fever.

“It can affect just one lung, or sometimes both, and ranges from mild to life-threatening.”

According to British charity Asthma + Lung UK, there were 518,525 hospital admissions for pneumonia alone in England last year and almost a fifth of these patients were readmitted again after 30 days

What causes it?

“Pneumonia is most often caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, but viruses, and less commonly, fungi, can also trigger it.

“We often call this an atypical pneumonia,” says Dr Agathou.

“Pneumonia can develop after a viral illness like a flu when the immune system is really run down or when bacteria is inhaled into the lungs.”

How can I tell if my cough is likely to be from pneumonia versus from a viral infection or allergies? Are there any key differences to look out for?

“Typically, a more viral or an allergic cough tends to be on the drier side.

“Sometimes, if it’s viral, it’s also linked to a sore throat or feeling a bit congested, and usually improves itself after a week or two,” she says.

However, Dr Agathou highlights that pneumonia coughs are typically “productive”, i.e. bring up mucus or phlegm.

“If you’re bringing up green, yellow or rusty-coloured phlegm, start to feel very feverish and experiencing any breathlessness, those would be the sort of things that would start to make you think it might be pneumonia,” she says.

“You will generally feel more unwell and weak with a pneumonia than you would with a simple cold or hay fever-like symptoms if it was allergy-related.”

Are there any other key symptoms to look out for?

“Another big thing to look out for is chest pain, or pain when breathing in,” highlights Dr Agathou.

“Another common symptom that we see, particularly in older adults, is confusion.

“In addition, when you’ve got pneumonia, you may pass much less urine and tend to be dehydrated, so these are some other things to look out for.”

Who is more at risk?

“It is possible for anyone to develop pneumonia and many healthy adults recover well with antibiotics,” says Dr Agathou.

“However, the rates are much higher in vulnerable communities, so, in the elderly or people with reduced immune function or respiratory conditions.

“It’s really important that babies, the elderly or those with chronic conditions, weaker immune systems or respiratory conditions displaying symptoms are seen to very promptly.”

When should you go to a GP about your symptoms?

“If you’ve got a cough that’s just lingering and persisting after five to seven days, you should be seen by a doctor,” she advises.

“But, irrespective of time frame, if you have a really severe cough, feel really unwell and start to feel that your breathing is off the norm, then I would get checked out very quickly by a GP.

“If there is a pneumonia there, we want to treat it as soon as possible when it’s mild, to prevent you from getting much worse.”

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

“When you go to a GP, we check your oxygen levels, your breathing rate, your temperature, your pulse and all of these things that can indicate to us how severe the infection is,” explains Dr Agathou.

“We also listen to your chest to see if we can hear anything unusual and if we are very concerned, we can organise an X-ray.”

How is pneumonia treated and managed?

“If it’s a typical pneumonia, antibiotics and fluids are the primary sources of management,” she says.

“Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed, provided that the person is able, is not vomiting, and is in a suitable condition to be managed at home.

“However, the most severe cases need hospital care, oxygen support and fluid.”

Why are people more susceptible to pneumonia in the colder months?

“In the colder months, our immune systems are working harder because of the stress from a cold response, and also because infections tend to spread more,” says Dr Agathou.

“We also know that flu is more common in the winter months, and when people have flu or viruses, it means their immune systems can be weaker and that’s why you’re more susceptible to getting pneumonia.”

Are there any ways to prevent yourself from getting pneumonia?

“It is all about making sure that your immune system is kept as strong as possible,” she says.

“For example, doing things that can help us fight infection better, like making sure you’re dressed warmly and taking multivitamins.

“In addition, if you are eligible for the flu and/or Covid-19 vaccine, you should consider having these.” – By Camilla Foster/PA Media/spa 

 

Mass Protests Erupt in Malaysia as Trump Faces Outrage Over Gaza at ASEAN Summit

https://www.ndtv.com/video/he-s-not-welcome-on-malaysian-soil-hundreds-protest-trumps-upcoming-asean-summit-visit-1012945

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Kuala Lumpur where U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to arrive for the ASEAN Summit, triggering widespread outrage over his stance on Gaza and U.S. support for Israel. Led by Malaysia’s Islamist PAS party, demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and chanted anti-Trump slogans outside the U.S. Embassy and summit venues. Riot police were deployed across the city as tensions flared, though Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged protesters to remain peaceful. The demonstrations underscored growing anger across Southeast Asia toward Washington’s Middle East policy. Despite the chaos, Trump’s visit marks the first time a U.S. president has visited Malaysia in a decade, the last being Barack Obama in 2015. #TrumpASEANSummit #MalaysiaProtests #GazaWar #AnwarIbrahim #ASEAN2025 #TrumpInAsia India Today Global is an India-based news channel that serves as an international arm of India's prominent media organization. It aims to provide factual, up-to-date news, analysis, and insights from India and around the world. The channel delivers a mix of content, including political news, business updates, entertainment, and cultural stories, focusing on both India-centric news and broader global issues. India Today Global features expert commentary, interviews, and in-depth reporting on key developments in India, as well as how they intersect with global events. It is known for its reputation as a trusted source of news in India. India Today Global is designed to cater to the Indian diaspora in the US while also appealing to international viewers interested in South Asian affairs and perspectives on global news. It's the English news brand that understands and fits perfectly into the digital-first lifestyles of our English news audiences. The marquee shows of our channel are: Statecraft: Our Executive Editor Geeta Mohan decodes the truth, cut out the noise, and present you the real facts that shape your world. We'll dissect the narratives spun by competing interests, analyze the subtle shifts in geopolitical landscapes, and illuminate the underlying forces that drive international relations. Expect rigorous analysis, informed perspectives, and a commitment to clarity in a world often obscured by deliberate ambiguity. We'll explore the economic levers, the military strategies, and the cultural influences that intertwine to form the complex tapestry of global power. Join us as we navigate the corridors of influence and reveal the hidden mechanisms that govern our interconnected world. Threadbare: We dive deep into global politics to unwind myths and expose false narratives shaping the world. Our episodes tackle disinformation, political information, and geopolitical myths to provide fact-based insights. Stay informed with in-depth analysis on international relations, political crisis, and global events. If you're interested in debunking political myths, exploring truth behind media narratives, and understanding the real forces driving global politics, this playlist is for you!
 

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