Language, Technology, and Policy: A Unified Conceptual Framework for Combating Digital Scams in Malaysia

Digital scams have become one of the most pervasive threats in the Malaysian digital ecosystem, with significant financial and psychological impacts on society. Scammers exploit the power of language to deceive, manipulate, and persuade individuals into making decisions that result in monetary loss and erosion of trust in digital platforms. While technology and law enforcement play critical roles in curbing these crimes, less attention has been given to the linguistic foundations of deception and how they interact with technology and policy. This paper proposes a unified conceptual framework to address digital scams in Malaysia by integrating linguistic analysis, digital literacy initiatives, technological detection systems, and policy reform. Drawing on recent studies in forensic linguistics, natural language processing, and cybercrime governance, the framework situates language at the centre of scam detection and prevention. The paper also discusses policy implications and challenges in implementation, emphasising the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between linguists, policymakers, educators, and technologists. By conceptualising scams as both linguistic and technological crimes, this paper contributes to the discourse on digital fraud prevention and advocates for linguistically informed policy approaches to safeguard Malaysian citizens.