Stay Secure,
Stay Informed
Fraud can happen to anyone – know the warning signs and be proactive in ensuring your financial security.
Spot The Scams
Here’s what to look out for and how to avoid them.
1. Wedding Invitation Scam (APK Scam)
What is it: An Android Package Kit (APK) is used to install mobile apps.
How it works: Disguised as a “wedding invitation”, an APK file is often received via WhatsApp or SMS requesting installation on your device. If installed, it grants the scammer access to your data.
How to avoid it: Do not trust or click on any file attachments or links sent directly to you by an unknown person.
2. Investment Scam
What is it: Fake investments that offer high returns with no risk.
How it works: A victim is contacted by an “agent” or sees a social media post, offering an investment plan with high returns and no risk. The victim performs a transaction and once completed – is immediately blocked.
How to avoid it: Avoid “too-good-to-be-true” investments; verify with Bank Negara Malaysia’s or SC’s Alert List.
3. Macau Scams
What is it: A phone scam where fraudsters impersonate officials to intimidate victims into sharing personal and financial information.
How it works: Victims will receive calls from scammers posing as government officials or law enforcement, claiming the victim is involved in an illegal activity. The caller may demand bank details, and money transfers, or insist on keeping the call confidential under threat of legal action.
How to avoid it: Never share personal information over the phone; end suspicious calls immediately.
4. Phishing
What is it: A method of tricking victims into revealing sensitive information, such as internet banking passwords.
How it works: Victims receive fake emails or messages with links to websites that look like legitimate banking or government portals. Once login details are entered, the scammers will capture their details.
How to avoid it: Never click on unsolicited messages. Banks and official institutions will never ask for your passwords or sensitive information over email or text.
5. TAC Fraud
What is it: A scam that involves fraudulently obtaining Transaction Authentication Codes (TAC) to access victims’ bank accounts.
How it works: Victims receive a TAC, followed by a message or call claiming the code was sent to their number by mistake. If the victim shares the code, scammers can complete transactions on the victim’s account without permission.
How to avoid it: Never share TAC codes with anyone, even if they claim it was sent by accident. If you receive unexpected TACs, report it immediately to your bank.
6. Fake Call Scam
What is it: Scammers posing as bank officers or officials from government agencies like Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) or Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) to intimidate victims.
How it works: Victims receive threatening calls claiming they have unpaid loans, criminal records, or tax issues. Scammers pressure victims to disclose personal information or make immediate payments, often threatening legal action.
How to avoid it: Do not share personal or banking information over calls. End suspicious calls and contact the bank or authority using official channels.
7. Mule Account
What is it: SA bank account used to move or conceal funds from illegal activities, often without the account holder’s knowledge.
How it works: Victims receive threatening calls claiming they have unpaid loans, criminal records, or tax issues. Scammers pressure victims to disclose personal information or make immediate payments, often threatening legal action.
How to avoid it: Do not share personal or banking information over calls. End suspicious calls and contact the bank or authority using official channels.
10 General Tips for Safer Banking
1. Do Not Share
Avoid sharing usernames, passwords, MyKad numbers, or other sensitive info over email, pop-ups, or phone calls.
2. Do Not Click
Ignore links in emails, SMS, or pop-ups. Do not click on them.
3. Verify and Ensure
Avoid sharing usernames, passwords, MyKad numbers, or other sensitive info over email, pop-ups, or phone calls.
4. Store or Dispose
Keep printed statements secure or dispose of them properly.
5. Protect, Make Complex, and Change
Keep passwords unique, complex, and private. Avoid reusing passwords across accounts, and change them regularly.
6. Monitor and Review
Check your transaction records frequently to spot any suspicious activity.
7. Safe and Controlled
Avoid online banking on public or unsecured computers and Wi-Fi.
8. Update and Clear
Keep banking apps updated and clear your browser’s cache after transactions.
9. Read and Understand
Carefully read emails and messages before any transaction. Don’t reply if unsure.
10. Verify and Proceed
Confirm your security image and phrase before entering your password. If they look unfamiliar, stop and do not proceed.
Fraud Alert
Be alert to scams offering unrealistic returns. For help or to report concerns, contact:
BNMTELELINK Hotline: 1-300-88-5465
BMMB Scam Hotline: +603-2615 8000
National Scam Response Centre (NSRC): 997