The lender wants a processing fee first. Is that normal?

It is a major warning sign of a fake loan. Legitimate lenders usually deduct charges from the approved loan amount. If you are asked to transfer money to a personal account before receiving the loan, stop there.

How do I check if a loan company is licensed?

For banks and financial institutions, check the list on the BNM website or contact BNM TELELINK. Licensed moneylenders are regulated by KPKT. Also search the company in BNM's alert list, but not being on it does not prove it is legitimate.

An online ah long is threatening to share my photos. What should I do?

Do not respond to threats and do not pay under pressure. Screenshot every message and make a police report quickly. Warn your family so they are not fooled if contacted. Remove any suspicious loan app from your phone.

Guide

Fake loans: online ah long asking for fees upfront

A fake loan scam is an online loan offer that asks you to pay a processing fee, deposit, insurance or 'tax' before the loan is released. After you pay, the loan never arrives or new fees keep appearing. Legitimate lenders normally deduct charges from the loan amount rather than asking for payment first. Check the company's name and licence before applying.

Check a company name →

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

Common fake loan tactics

Ads on Facebook or WhatsApp: 'instant approval', 'no documents', 'blacklisted can apply'.
After applying, you are asked to pay a processing fee or insurance into a personal account.
New charges then appear because of a 'wrong account number' or 'frozen account'.
Some ask for copies of your IC and bank details, which can be misused.

The danger of online ah long

Illegal moneylenders, or ah long, operating online may give a real loan but at extreme interest, and use threats, harassment of family and exposure of personal data to force repayment. Some loan apps ask for access to your contacts and photos.

How to check a lender

Licensed banks and financial institutions can be checked in the list on the BNM website.
Licensed moneylenders are regulated by the Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT) and must hold a valid licence.
Search the company name in BNM's alert list using our search.
Check any account number you are asked to pay into in SemakMule before paying.

If you have already paid a fee

Do not pay any further charges. Keep the evidence and call 997 or make a police report. If you receive threats, report them to the police immediately. For questions about financial institutions, contact BNM TELELINK at 1-300-88-5465.

Frequently asked questions

The lender wants a processing fee first. Is that normal?: It is a major warning sign of a fake loan. Legitimate lenders usually deduct charges from the approved loan amount. If you are asked to transfer money to a personal account before receiving the loan, stop there.
How do I check if a loan company is licensed?: For banks and financial institutions, check the list on the BNM website or contact BNM TELELINK. Licensed moneylenders are regulated by KPKT. Also search the company in BNM's alert list, but not being on it does not prove it is legitimate.
An online ah long is threatening to share my photos. What should I do?: Do not respond to threats and do not pay under pressure. Screenshot every message and make a police report quickly. Warn your family so they are not fooled if contacted. Remove any suspicious loan app from your phone.

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.