What it is

Scammers create a seemingly legitimate online store or listing that advertises popular products at prices that are significantly lower than the market value. These offers are designed to lure in unsuspecting buyers who are attracted to the incredible discounts.

How it works​

1. An offer that seems too good to be true.
2. The seller rushes you to pay quickly, claiming limited stock or offer.
3. The seller fails to deliver the goods or sends a counterfeit product and blocks your contact.

What do I do

1. Avoid offers that seem too good to be true.
2. Take your time before making a purchase or sale.
3. Verify the seller’s bank account number using the Semak Mule webpage.

What it is

Victims are asked to transfer money for an investment, often with promises of high returns. When victims try to withdraw their funds, they may be asked for more money or find that the scammers are no longer contactable.

How it works​

1. The scammer offers a seemingly lucrative investment opportunity.
2. Victims transfer money to the scammer with promises of attractive returns.
3. When victims request to withdraw their funds, they are either asked for additional money or find that the scammer is unreachable.

What do I do

1. Be cautious of investment opportunities that promise unusually high returns with little risk.
2. Avoid transferring money to individuals or entities you cannot verify.
3. Research the investment opportunity thoroughly and consult with a trusted financial advisor.

What it is

A job scam involves fraudulent schemes where scammers pose as employers or recruiters to deceive job seekers.They may offer fake job opportunities to steal personal information or money.

How it works​

1. Scammers advertise fake job openings that seem too good to be true, often with high salaries or benefits.
2. Victims are asked to pay fees for training, background checks, or equipments before they can start the job.
3. After paying, victims either receive no job offer or discover that the job was a scam.

What do I do

1. Be cautious of job offers that require payment for training, background checks, or other fees.
2. Verify the legitimacy of the employer or recruiter by checking their contact information and researching the company.
3. Avoid sharing personal information or making payments until you have confirmed the job opportunity is legitimate.

What it is

A loan scam involves fraudulent schemes where scammers offer fake loans or credit services to deceive individuals. They may ask for upfront fees or personal information before disappearing.

How it works​

1. Scammers will pose as reputable money lenders, often using fake business cards and identifying themselves as sales or financial advisors. They reach out to potential victims through websites, social media, emails, or text messages, creating a facade of legitimacy.
2. These scammers often present loan offers that seem too good to be true, such as low-interest rates, easy approval, or high loan amounts with minimal requirements. They use these attractive offers to pressure you into making quick decisions without proper due diligence.
3. Once you show interest, the scammer will ask for personal documents, such as your NRIC, income proof, or other sensitive information, under the pretext of processing the loan. This is a ploy to obtain your banking details and other confidential information.
4. They may also ask for an upfront payment, supposedly for administrative expenses, processing fees, or other charges. These payments are usually requested to be made into an individual or company account. Once the payment is made, the scammer often disappears, leaving you with no loan and a financial loss.

What do I do

1. Always reach out to licensed banks or financial institutions when you need financial help. Avoid engaging with unverified lenders or individuals claiming to offer loans through unofficial channels.
2. If you receive any unexpected requests to transfer funds for fee payments to secure financing, especially into unknown individual or company accounts, report them immediately.
3. Never disclose sensitive and confidential information, such as your banking details, personal identification, or financial documents to individuals or companies claiming to be third-party appointees or agents from a financial institution.

What it is

A love scam involves scammers creating fake romantic relationships to exploit victims emotionally and financially. They often use online dating platforms or social media to build a relationship before making fraudulent requests for money or personal information.

How it works​

1. Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social media, establishing a seemingly genuine romantic connection.
2. Over time, they build trust and emotional bonds with their victims.
3. Scammers eventually fabricate a crisis or urgent need, asking victims for money or personal details under the guise of helping them.

What do I do

1. Be cautious of online relationships that develop quickly and involve requests for money or personal information.
2. Verify the identity of individuals you meet online through video calls or other means.
3. Avoid sending money or sharing personal details with someone you have not met in person or do not know well.

What it is

Victims may receive calls from scammers impersonating authorities such as Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) or Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia (LHDN). These scammers use tactics that create a sense of urgency and fear, pressuring victims into transferring money to resolve fabricated enforcement issues.

How it works​

1. Scammers pretend to be officials from BNM, PDRM, RMCD or LHDN, claiming that there are serious issues or investigations involving the victim. They may assert situations such as:
   - "You are under investigation."
   - "You have overdue payments."
   - "There is an uncollected parcel in your name."
   - "You have won a cash prize or lottery."
2. The scammers create fear by presenting fictitious threats designed to make the victim panic. They might claim:
   - "There is a court order against you."
   - "Authorities have frozen your bank account."
3. They pressure the victim to transfer money immediately, claiming this will help them avoid severe consequences like arrest or legal penalties.
4. Once the victim transfers the money, the scammers vanish, and the victim realizes that there was no actual enforcement issue or investigation.

What do I do

1. If you receive such calls, do not panic. Hang up and verify the information by contacting the official agency directly using an official number or visiting their official website.
2. Refuse any requests for immediate payment and seek clarification from the official source.
3. Report the call to the relevant authorities if you suspect it is a scam.

What it is

A malware scam involves scammers using harmful software (malware) that secretly installs itself on your device to steal funds from your account and commit identity theft.

How it works​

1. Scammers send a malicious APK file through email or chat platforms, often disguised as a link or attachment. They may claim it is an important document, update, or application that needs immediate attention.
2. When the victim clicks on the link or attachment, the APK file prompts them to download and install an application on their phone. The application might appear to be legitimate, making it harder for the victim to suspect foul play.
3. Once installed, the application will ask for various permissions, such as the ability to monitor your device, access other applications, and recognise gestures. These permissions are crucial for the scammers to gain full control over the phone.
4. With these permissions granted, the scammers can remotely access and control the victim's phone. This includes reading messages, accessing personal information, and even making unauthorised transactions.
5. The malicious application may also display a fake payment page designed to capture sensitive information.

What do I do

1. Be cautious when receiving links or attachments from unknown sources, even if they appear to come from someone you know. Always verify the source before downloading any file.
2. Only install applications from trusted sources like the Google Play Store and Apple Store. Avoid downloading APK files from links sent through emails or chats.
3. Install reputable security software on your device to detect and block malware. Regularly update your phone’s operating system and applications to protect against vulnerabilities.

What it is

A bank account that is exploited by a third party or fraudster to receive or transfer funds that are potentially stolen, laundered, or associated with illegal activities.

How it works​

1. Scammers may approach you with a seemingly innocent request to 'rent' your bank account, promising easy money.
2. You may receive a very attractive job offer that seems too good to be true. Part of the offer involves registering a new bank account and handing over the ATM card or online banking credentials.
3. Some illegal or unlicensed money lenders may ask for your ATM card as collateral during the loan application process.

What do I do

1. Never accept job offers or rewards that seem too good to be true in exchange for using your banking account. Verify the legitimacy of the company and job offer before sharing any information.
2. Never share your banking details, such as your ATM card, PIN, or online banking credentials with anyone.
3. Check the recipient’s account number at the Semak Mule webpage.

What it is

A phishing scam is a fraudulent scheme where scammers attempt to steal personal, financial, or login information by pretending to be a legitimate entity, such as a bank, company, or trusted organisation.

How it works​

1. Scammers often send deceptive emails, messages, or calls that seem to be from legitimate sources, cleverly using official logos and language to trick people.
2. The messages typically contain clickable hyperlinks designed to trick you into entering your online banking credentials or personal information.
3. Victims are tricked into entering sensitive information, such as usernames, passcode, or credit card details, which is then stolen by the scammers.

What do I do

1. Be cautious of unsolicited messages asking for personal or financial information.
2. Always ensure you log into your banking account through your bank's official website.
3. Pay close attention to the web link before proceeding with your banking activities. Double-check that the URL is correct and starts with "https://" to ensure you are on a secure, legitimate site.
4. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.