There are no shortages of online and real-life scams that go on in Malaysia.
Despite many PSAs and warnings from the government about this popular crime syndicate, hundreds of Malaysians still fall victim to them.
To ensure that you or your loved ones never go bankrupt from a fraud, it’s important to be aware of red flags.
These make it obvious that what you’re being offered is not a golden opportunity, but a one-way ticket to financial ruin. First let’s learn a few things about scams in Malaysia before we get to the advice.
Most Common Scams in Malaysia
Scam Callers
Possibly the most common type of scam that Malaysians fall for are the scam callers. These are con artists disguised as representatives from services that you use and trust.
Whether it’s your courier, your bank. You will get a phone call from a random number and the person on the other side will claim that you have an unclaimed package, or some outstanding fees that need to be paid.
Sometimes they wont ask you for money but personal details as part of a ‘system update’.
Phishing
The next most common scam is phishing scams. This is an online fraud where scammers send emails (or often SMS). Scam calling can also take the form of phishing called vishing (voice phishing).
In which case the purpose is the same. To get you to reveal personal information, to deposit a virus (such as ransomware) into your device, or simply to extort you for money.
Just like with scam calls, they may disguise themselves as reputable brands or organisations to get your attention.
Public Ambush
The third type of scam involves a real person often ambushing you in public while your guard is down to sell you something.
While almost as annoying as those shopping mall agents with their pop-up stations, in-person scammers often set up outside of establishments.
Next to streets and on the side of the road, or go from person to person like a door-to-door salesman. They will entice you with exciting offers and ask you to make deposits, or sign documents.
There are more scams, each a little different from the one before. There are EPF scams, money game scams, catfishing scams, loan scams, investment scams and many others.
Scam Red Flags to Watch Out For
Unsolicited Contact
Phone calls are usually the easiest ways that a scammer can get to you. But it’s important to never pick up an unfamiliar call, even if it might be from someone you know or an organisation whose services you use.
If you want to check if the number is legit or not, put it through JunkCall.Org. You’ll know straight away if the number can be trusted.
Too Good to Be True Offers
If an offer or investment opportunity promises exceptionally high returns with little to no risk, it’s likely a scam. Always be skeptical of ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes.
Scammers often urge you to make a decision immediately because of this ‘limited time offer’. Without giving you time to research or think things through. Take your time and do your due diligence.
Request for Personal Information
Legitimate organisations will not ask you to provide sensitive personal information (e.g., IC numbers, bank account details) via email or phone.
They also won’t ask you for other personal details like date of birth, the name of a relative, or your address. Unless of course, the call is coming from a legit business.
Be cautious if someone asks for this information.
Phishing Emails and Websites
Scammers create fake emails and websites that look like they come from legitimate organizations, like banks, government agencies, or well-known companies.
Scammers will go to great lengths to make sure their fake business looks as legit as possible. Even going so far as to buy website domains that mimic the original business.
Their emails will have the company logo and they will even have someone on the other line highly trained to sound like a professional customer service operator.
Advance Fees
This is where scammers get the most of their money. Scammers may request upfront fees for various reasons, such as processing fees, taxes, or shipping costs.
This is often the case for loan scams, investment scams, parcel delivery scams and the like. Legitimate businesses typically don’t ask for fees before providing a service.
Vague or Unprofessional Communication
Sometimes scammers shoot themselves in the foot by being poor communicators. You will often find that poor grammar, misspellings, and generic salutations in emails are all signs of a scam.
Legitimate organisations usually communicate professionally. But this is often not the case as well. Especially with more experienced scammers.
Unusual Payment Methods
Scammers may insist on payment through unusual methods, like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency and yes even e-wallets, which have now become a widely popular payment option in Malaysia.
These can often be difficult to trace so be cautious if you’re asked to use these methods.
Beware of Scammers
Scammers come in all shapes and sizes. And the government has so far had no luck cracking down on all these various syndicates. Some will always slip through the cracks.
So its important to always be wary. Never pick up a call from someone you don’t recognise. Always check phone numbers. Never open a phishing email.
And don’t always trust a friendly face you pass by on the street with a tempting offer you can’t refuse.
With any luck your bank account and your money will be same from scammers and you’ll be closer to achieving the financial freedom you desire.
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