What is a Macau scam?

A Macau scam is a phone fraud where scammers impersonate the authorities or a bank, frighten the victim with false criminal charges or debts, and pressure them into transferring money or revealing banking details.

Can the police call and ask me to transfer money?

No. The police will not ask you to transfer money to any account over the phone for an investigation. If someone asks you to, it is almost certainly a scam. Hang up and contact your nearest police station yourself.

How do I verify an arrest warrant sent on WhatsApp?

Real warrants and summonses are not sent on WhatsApp by an officer who is calling you. Do not trust such documents. Go to your nearest police station in person or contact the agency through its official channels to check.

I transferred money to a Macau scammer. Can I get it back?

There is no guarantee, but acting quickly helps. Call 997 immediately and tell your bank. The earlier the report is made, the better the chance the authorities can freeze the funds before they are moved on.

Guide

Macau scam: fake police, court and bank officers

A Macau scam is a phone fraud in which the caller pretends to be a police officer, court official, LHDN officer, bank staff or other authority, accuses you of a crime or unpaid debt, and pressures you to move money into a 'safe' account or share your banking details. Real agencies never ask you to transfer money over the phone. Hang up and call the agency yourself.

How to report a scam →

Already transferred money? Call 997 (NSRC) now — 24 hours. How to report a scam →

The typical Macau scam script

An automated call, supposedly from a bank, courier or telco, about a problem with your account or parcel.
You are transferred to a 'police officer' who says your name is linked to money laundering or drugs.
You receive a fake arrest warrant or court letter on WhatsApp.
You are told to keep it secret from your family and your bank.
You are asked to move all your savings to an 'investigation' account or hand over your account number, password and OTP.

Why so many people fall for it

Scammers use fear and time pressure. They may already know some of your personal details, speak with confidence, and pass you between several 'officers' so it feels real.

Remember: the police, courts, LHDN and banks will never ask you to move money to another account for an investigation, and will never ask for your OTP or password.

What to do if you get a call like this

Hang up. Do not let them transfer you to another 'officer'.
Call the agency yourself using the number on its official website.
Check the caller's number and any account number given in SemakMule.
Warn family members, especially older relatives, about this tactic.

If you have already transferred money

Call 997 (NSRC) immediately. The line is run by PDRM, operates 24 hours, and a call to 997 is recognised as an official police report. Acting within the first hour gives a better chance of funds being frozen, but recovery is not guaranteed.

You can also contact the CCID Scam Response Centre at 03-2610 1559 or 03-2610 1599.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Macau scam?: A Macau scam is a phone fraud where scammers impersonate the authorities or a bank, frighten the victim with false criminal charges or debts, and pressure them into transferring money or revealing banking details.
Can the police call and ask me to transfer money?: No. The police will not ask you to transfer money to any account over the phone for an investigation. If someone asks you to, it is almost certainly a scam. Hang up and contact your nearest police station yourself.
How do I verify an arrest warrant sent on WhatsApp?: Real warrants and summonses are not sent on WhatsApp by an officer who is calling you. Do not trust such documents. Go to your nearest police station in person or contact the agency through its official channels to check.
I transferred money to a Macau scammer. Can I get it back?: There is no guarantee, but acting quickly helps. Call 997 immediately and tell your bank. The earlier the report is made, the better the chance the authorities can freeze the funds before they are moved on.

Short guides to the scam tactics common in Malaysia, how to check bank accounts, phone numbers and licences, and what to do right away if you have been hit.