Awards are always an honour.
They recognise hard work, dedication, and the impact of what we do. But for me, they have never been the reason I create scam prevention content.
I’m incredibly grateful that my scam prevention videos were recognised at The Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards (MAIA) 2026, where I was named Runner-Up in the Best Content Creators or Aggregators category.
While I didn’t take home the top award, this recognition means a great deal because it reflects something much bigger than personal achievement—it reflects the importance of public education in the fight against scams.
Why I Started Creating Scam Prevention Videos
Over the years, I have met countless victims of scams.
People who lost their life savings.
Business owners who were deceived into fraudulent transactions.
Retirees whose financial security disappeared overnight.
Families left struggling after trusting the wrong phone call, message, or investment opportunity.
One thing these conversations have in common is a question that lingers long after they end:
What if they had known what to look for?
Sometimes, all it takes is one piece of information, one warning sign, or one educational video to help someone recognise a scam before it’s too late.
That simple thought has always been the driving force behind my work.
I don’t create content to go viral.
I create it because every video has the potential to stop one more person from becoming the next victim.
Turning Knowledge into Prevention
Scammers continuously adapt their methods.
They exploit trust, urgency, fear, and even kindness.
As technology evolves, so do the tactics used to deceive individuals and organisations.
This makes public awareness one of the most powerful crime prevention tools available.
When people understand how scams work, they become more confident in identifying red flags, questioning suspicious requests, and making informed decisions before acting.
Education empowers people to protect themselves.
That is why I continue producing scam prevention content in both Malay and English—to ensure these messages reach as many people as possible across Malaysia’s diverse communities.
An International Recognition for Local Impact
Receiving recognition at the Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards 2026 is especially meaningful because the content was created right here in Malaysia, for everyday Malaysians.
The videos focus on practical, real-world scam awareness rather than technical jargon, making them accessible to people from all walks of life.
To know that this grassroots approach has been recognised on an international platform is both humbling and encouraging.
It reinforces the belief that meaningful crime prevention begins with education, conversation, and community engagement.
Thank You to Those Who Make This Possible
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Michael Gilmore, Co-Founder of the Money Awareness and Inclusion Awards, for creating a platform that promotes financial awareness and inclusion across the world.
My thanks also go to the judges and the entire MAIA team for recognising the importance of grassroots education in preventing financial crime.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who has watched, shared, commented on, or recommended my scam prevention videos.
Every share matters.
Every conversation matters.
Every person who learns to recognise a scam is one less opportunity for a criminal.
The impact of this work is not measured by awards.
It is measured by the people who avoid becoming victims.
The Mission Continues
Scams continue to evolve, and so must our efforts to prevent them.
As a criminologist and crime prevention specialist, I remain committed to educating individuals, businesses, and communities about emerging scam trends, fraud prevention, and practical strategies that reduce the risk of financial crime.
Whether through educational videos, public talks, corporate training, or community engagement, the mission remains unchanged:
To empower people with the knowledge they need to recognise scams before they happen.
Because preventing just one scam can protect someone’s savings, confidence, and future.
And that’s a result worth striving for every single day.
About Shamir
Shamir is a criminologist, fraud prevention specialist, and founder of Prevent Crime Now, dedicated to helping individuals, businesses, and organisations better understand criminal behaviour, fraud risks, and crime prevention strategies. Through public education, corporate training, and evidence-based crime prevention programmes, he works to build safer communities by turning awareness into action.
Invite Shamir to Speak or Train Your Organisation
If your organisation is looking to strengthen scam awareness, fraud prevention, or workplace security through engaging, evidence-based training, Shamir offers customised keynote presentations, workshops, and awareness programmes tailored for corporate teams, government agencies, educational institutions, and community organisations.
Contact Shamir
📧 Email: shamir@preventcrimenow.com
📞 Phone: +60 14-905 3442
Because the best way to stop a scam is to prevent it before it begins.