WhatsApp Scam Alert: Be Cautious of Lucrative Business Proposals
In recent news, a victim was conned out of a staggering US$815,331 (approximately RM3.38 million) after being lured into a lucrative business proposal on WhatsApp.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Scammers often use WhatsApp to establish trust with their victims before making false promises. Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Be wary of anyone who claims to have a lucrative business deal that requires a large upfront investment.
- If someone is asking you to transfer money, be cautious and do not rush into it.
- Verify the authenticity of any online services or platforms being offered.
Protect Yourself from Online Scams
To avoid falling victim to scams on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, follow these tips:
- Do an image search of anyone you meet online to verify their identity.
- Watch out for those who claim to live abroad, as it may be a delaying tactic.
- Be wary of anyone who wants to rush into a relationship or asks for your personal details immediately after communicating with you.
- Don’t transfer money to someone until they’ve fully gained your trust.
Macau Scam Alert
In another variant of the Macau scam, scammers impersonate bank officials, customs officers, or police officers to trick victims into transferring money. These scams often involve spoofed caller IDs and can be very convincing.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a bank official, customs officer, or police officer, hang up immediately and call them back using the institution’s hotline number.
Mule Account Scam
A 17-year-old girl in Malaysia was tricked into using her bank account as a mule account for an online scam. The scammers used her account to receive money from victims of e-commerce scams.
Never share your bank account details with others, and be cautious of anyone who asks you to lend them your account or open multiple accounts for them.
Scratch and Win Scam
In another shocking case, a 62-year-old woman was conned out of RM17,000 after being persuaded to take part in a “scratch and win” contest. The scammers told her she had won a prize but needed to make a payment first.
Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Never pay upfront fees or deposits for any prizes or rewards.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
If you think you may have fallen victim to a scam, try to contact the bank or credit card company that was used to make the transactions. File a police report and, if relevant, a second report to Bank Negara Malaysia.
Remember to keep all records of financial transactions and details of the people you engaged with, as this information could be useful in taking action against a company or aiding police investigations.
Stay safe online and remember: caution is key!