If you believe you’ve been a victim of romance fraud in Malaysia, it’s crucial to act promptly to protect yourself and others. Here’s what you can do:
- Contact Your Bank Immediately: Notify your bank about the incident to attempt to halt any unauthorized transactions. Most banks have dedicated hotlines for reporting fraud. For instance, Maybank customers can call their Fraud Hotline at +60-3-5891 4744 or email mgcc@maybank.com.my.
- Report to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC): The NSRC is a centralized agency established to handle scam-related incidents. You can reach them by dialing 997. It’s important to contact them within 24 hours of the scam incident, and their operating hours are from 8 am to 8 pm, including weekends and public holidays.
- File a Police Report: Visit the nearest Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) station to file an official report. This step is essential for any legal proceedings and can aid in investigations. Additionally, PDRM provides updates on current scams through their social media channels, which can be informative.
- Verify Suspected Accounts and Mobile Numbers: Before engaging in financial transactions, you can verify bank account numbers and mobile numbers linked to fraud cases using the Semak Mule platform provided by PDRM.
- Report to CyberSecurity Malaysia: For cyber-related incidents, including online romance scams, you can reach out to CyberSecurity Malaysia’s Cyber999 Help Centre. They offer assistance and can be contacted through their website.
- Notify Scamgate Malaysia: Scamgate is a platform dedicated to creating awareness about various scams. While they may not assist in recovering lost funds, reporting your experience can help warn others. You can share your story on their Report a Scam page.
- Consult Report Fraud Malaysia: This platform allows you to report scams, which can assist in investigations and prevent others from falling victim. Visit their website for more information.
By promptly reporting the incident to these authorities and organizations, you not only increase the chances of mitigating your losses but also contribute to the broader fight against fraud in Malaysia.
Key notes
- Contact your bank as a priority
- Report to law enforcement or cyber helplines
- Get safe from further fraud
Re-victimisation is high with this fraud. Please get safe.
Be wary of organisations or individuals offering assistance for a fee. The Royal Malaysia Police has advised that such entities may not act in the best interest of victims, and there’s no guarantee of recovering lost funds through their services.
Remember, you’re not alone, and support is available to help you through this difficult time.