KUCHING: Calling a potential victim up on the pretext of updating or correcting bank account details is one of the latest tactics used by scammers ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Kuching Branch head Mohd Irman Mohd Din said victims would be tricked into providing their Internet banking information and Transaction Confirmation Code (TAC).
“There are also some recent cases in which scammers would say that the victims needed to correct incorrectly registered phone numbers, cancel loans or payment of hospital bills of grandparents,” he said on Tuesday (April 27).
According to him, based on an interview with one such victim, the scammer disguised as a bank officer, police and officials from various agencies, would contact the victim via WhatsApp, Short Message Service (SMS) or phone call, informing that there was a problem with the victim’s bank details and that an update was needed.
“The scammer will then ask for a TAC from the victim on the pretext of updating the bank details.
“Usually a scammer will use a variety of excuses besides using a different phone number every time they call a victim.”
Irman said despite many cautionary announcements, fraud cases still occurred.
He advised the public not to panic, think rationally, and not easily be deceived by threats from strangers over the phone.
“We must always be vigilant. Remember, never hand over bank information, Internet banking details and TAC to anyone for whatever reason, even in the form of SMS or WhatApp.”
Irman added that the public should always change or update their online banking password immediately if they shared out any information.
