Malaysian Man Sentenced for Phishing via SMS Blaster in Singapore

• •Ong Kak Seng sent over 10,500 phishing messages using an SMS blaster.
• •The attack affected more than 31,000 mobile phones, causing financial losses to victims.
• •Ong was sentenced to 21 months in prison and fined S$1,500 for his actions.

Ong Kak Seng, a 28-year-old Malaysian, was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison for using an SMS blaster to send over 10,500 phishing messages targeting WhatsApp users in Singapore. The device affected more than 31,000 mobile phones, leading to at least one victim losing over $1,800. Ong, who was in significant debt, was promised RM1,000 a day to operate the device, which he believed was promoting illegal online gambling. He was taught to assemble the SMS blaster in Malaysia and used it while driving around Singapore for 10 to 12 hours daily. He pleaded guilty to cheating and related charges, with additional penalties if he fails to pay a fine of S$1,500. The court noted that Ong was aware of the illegality of his actions, as the offered pay was significantly higher than legitimate earnings in Malaysia.