Top 4 most viral online scams right now.
Online scams are on the rise and it’s because scammers are mimicking real businesses, authorities and more. Be sure to read till the end so you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe!
If you or someone you know has been scammed, here are the hotlines you can call for help:+60-3-5891 4744 for Maybank’s 24/7 Fraud Hotline or 997 for the National Scam Response Centre (8 am-8 pm daily).
- Scam apps (.apk files) sent through chats or links
Have you seen a cleaning promotion ad on Facebook, Instagram or anywhere else online lately? There’s a high chance that it’s a scam!
Scammers who post those ads will want to get on private chats and ask victims to download a scam app (.apk file) to make bookings or payments. The scam app will then send the victims’ banking usernames, passwords and TAC SMSes directly to the scammers.
NEVER download apps through chats or links. Only trust apps from the Google Play Store, Huawei AppGallery and Apple App Store.
- Scam calls forcing you to transfer money or expose your login details
‘This is a message from your bank. You have spent RM480 with your credit card. Please press 9 to speak to…’’ - sounds legitimate right? Scammers are impersonating not just banks but tax offices and other authorities too!
You'll know it's a scam when you're asked to:- Give your banking username and password
- Transfer money immediately
- Keep the conversation private
If you ever feel scared, hang up! Real banks and the authorities will NEVER force you to transfer money or expose your login details.
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Scam SMSes with fake links or phone numbers
In line with Bank Negara Malaysia’s latest mandate, Maybank will NOT send any links via SMS.
NEVER tap on links or phone numbers from SMSes. Always manually type in your bank’s website address or call the number on the back of your card.
Maybank’s official customer care hotlines are 1-300 88 6688 (Malaysia) and +603-7844 3696 (Overseas).
- TAC/OTP scams through chats or calls
‘Hey, I’ve accidentally keyed in your phone number when shopping online. Can you send me the TAC/OTP code?’ - it’s a scam!
These messages could come from strangers or even people you know via social media or chat apps (because a scammer has managed to hack them).
Remember, TAC/OTP will NEVER be wrongly sent and should NEVER be shared with anyone, not even friends and family.
Watch the #macamyesmaybenot music video
It can be hard to tell apart what’s real and what’s a scam, so we’ve put it in a catchy song that you can groove to! Tap on the button below to watch our music video, starring Snoop Dodge, Jay Ciao, Rings and BlekPink.
Be sure to share it with everyone you know too!
This article was first published in November 2022.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is not to be construed as investment advice and/or the provision of financial planning services. Neither is it to be construed as financial, legal, accounting, tax or any other form of advice whatsoever. You must obtain your independent advice before making any financial or other decisions. No representations or warranties are provided as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of any of the information provided here. The Bank shall not be held liable and/or responsible for any loss as a result of reliance on the information presented.
