Education

Know the Scam Patterns

Almost every financial scam in Malaysia follows a handful of patterns. Learn the warning signs before you become a victim.

PATTERN 01

Investment Scams

Schemes promising high fixed returns (“20% a month, guaranteed”) via forex, gold, crypto or “AI trading”. New investors' money pays earlier investors until the scheme collapses.

Check first

Search the scheme's name on SemakScam and verify licences with BNM/SC before investing.

Read the full guide →

Warning signs

“Guaranteed” or fixed monthly returns
Time pressure: “limited slots, closing tonight”
Payments to personal accounts, not a company
Commissions for recruiting new members
No verifiable BNM/SC licence

PATTERN 02

Macau Scam

A call from a police, court, LHDN or bank “officer” claiming you're linked to a crime or owe money, who then tells you to move your savings to a “safe account” for the investigation. Real agencies never ask you to transfer money.

Been targeted?

Hang up. Call the agency back on an official number you look up yourself. If money has already moved, call 997.

Read the full guide →

Warning signs

Your call is “transferred” from the bank to the “police”
Claims you're involved in money laundering or drugs
Told to keep it secret from your family
Asked to move money to a “safe account”

PATTERN 03

Phishing & Fake APKs

SMS, WhatsApp or email links and APK files — a “wedding invitation”, “failed parcel delivery” or “house-cleaning service” — that steal your passwords and banking TAC/OTP codes.

Been targeted?

Never tap or install an .apk file from anyone. Report the number or link to MCMC.

Read the full guide →

Warning signs

An .apk file sent over WhatsApp
Odd links mimicking official sites
An app asking to read SMS or for accessibility access
Requests for your TAC/OTP or password

PATTERN 04

Mule Accounts

You are “hired” to let others use your bank account — or unknowingly move stolen money. Mule account holders can be prosecuted even if they claim ignorance.

Check first

Before dealing with unknown sellers or agents, check the account number on PDRM SemakMule.

Read the full guide →

Warning signs

Offers to “rent your bank account” for a fee
Easy job: “just receive & transfer money”
Asked to hand over ATM card / TAC / online banking
Salary arriving from unclear sources

PATTERN 05

Part-time Job Scams

Easy work-from-home offers — “like & review”, “tasks” or “order boosting” for commission. You're paid a little at first, then asked to put in your own money for the next task, which never comes back.

Check first

Real employers don't make you pay to work. Check the recipient's account number on PDRM SemakMule.

Read the full guide →

Warning signs

Contacted out of the blue on WhatsApp or Telegram
High pay for very easy work
Need to “top up” or deposit to continue
Commission “stuck” until you pay more

PATTERN 06

Online Shopping Scams

Sellers on social media or marketplaces offer cheap goods, ask for payment straight to a personal account, then disappear. Includes fake concert tickets, phones and car rentals.

Check first

Buy through platforms with buyer protection. Check the seller's account and phone number on PDRM SemakMule before paying.

Read the full guide →

Warning signs

Prices far below market
Asked to pay outside the platform
New seller account with no genuine reviews
Pressure: “last one left, pay now”

PATTERN 07

Love Scams

An online contact builds a relationship over months, then asks for money — an emergency, travel costs, or a “joint” investment opportunity. Often ends on a fake investment platform.

Already caught up?

Stop all transfers, keep the evidence, and go straight to the reporting guide.

Read the full guide →

Warning signs

Never available for video calls or meetups
Emergency stories that need money urgently
Invitations to invest on a platform you don't know
Asks you to keep the relationship secret

PATTERN 08

Parcel Scams

You're told a “gift” or parcel is stuck at customs and you must pay tax, a fine or a release fee. Often linked to love scams or fake courier companies.

Been targeted?

Don't pay. Check the parcel's status directly on the courier's official site using a genuine tracking number.

Read the full guide →

Warning signs

“Customs” or a “courier” asking for payment to a personal account
An expensive gift from an online contact
Threats: “your parcel contains illegal items”
Odd tracking links

PATTERN 09

Fake Loans

“No CTOS check, instant approval” loan ads that ask for a processing fee, insurance or deposit first. The loan never arrives, and the fees keep coming.

Check first

Licensed lenders don't ask for upfront payments. Search the company name on SemakScam before applying.

Read the full guide →

Warning signs

Fees demanded before the loan is approved
“Guaranteed” approval with no checks
Everything handled over WhatsApp only
Payments to a personal account

If the returns are “guaranteed”, it's not an investment — it's bait.

CHECK FIRST · ASK FIRST · DON'T RUSH