KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 -- As more Malaysians move to Kuala Lumpur in search of work and higher education, securing a place to live has become one of the first challenges many face.

But for a growing number of first-time renters, the search for a home is ending before it even begins - with thousands of ringgit lost to increasingly sophisticated rental scams.

Police recorded 922 rental scam cases in 2025, nearly three times the 307 cases reported in 2024 and a sharp increase from 184 cases in 2023.

The figures, released earlier this year, reflect how scammers are exploiting the growing number of people turning to online platforms to find accommodation.

Experts say many victims are unfamiliar with standard rental procedures, deposit requi...