Macau Scam

The term "Macau Scam" refers to a type of telephone scam or fraud. The scam begins with a phone call to a potential victim, where the caller pretends to be police, SPRM, LHDN, court officer, bank or customs officer, courier service provider, etc. Their aim is to make the person they called feel scared, making them believe they did something bad.

Latest Modus Operandi of Macau Scam:

1) Disguising as someone you know

• The scammer impersonates a friend (family member/old acquaintance) and contacts the victim through the phone or social media.
• The scammer asks to borrow money from the victim with various reasons, such as:
  • For business purposes
  • Claims to have been robbed and needs money for expenses
  • To pay medical bills or buy items

2) New Bank Account Opening

• Scammer instructs victim to open a new bank account by registering the phone number provided by the scammer. 
• The victim is instructed to provide banking information such as ATM card number and PIN. 
• Subsequently, the victim is directed to transfer all savings from another account to the newly opened account.
• This allows the scammer to register and access the victim's internet banking account and obtain the TAC number without the victim's knowledge.

3) ATM card

• The victim is instructed to leave their ATM card at specific locations without CCTV.
• The victim's bank account can also be used by the syndicate as a mule account.

Note: "Mule account" also known as a "money mule account" is a bank account used by criminals or fraudsters to launder money obtained through illegal activities.

How do you know if you are targeted?

The scammer may inform you that: 

• You are involved in a criminal investigation or are suspected of being involved in illegal activities, such as money laundering or fraud or pending court case.
• You have outstanding payments such as taxes, bank loans or bank accounts have been compromised, etc.
• You have received a parcel containing prohibited items or your parcel has been detained by customs.
• To make the situation seem urgent, victims are threatened with legal action, arrest or deportation.
• Scammer will also threaten the victim to keep the entire conversation confidential.
• Scammer will pressure victim to make quick decision into providing personal information, including their bank account details, OTP number and other sensitive information. In some cases, victims are even asked to transfer money to accounts provided by the scammers.

Reminder: Legitimate law enforcement agencies and government authorities do not conduct investigations or request sensitive information over the phone.

Things to keep in mind:

• DO NOT answer calls or reply to unknown numbers.
• DO NOT make rush decisions.
• Refuse pressure to act immediately.
• DO NOT share your personal information, TAC or OTP.
• Know who you are dealing with. Verify the caller who requested you for money / purchase.
• Call your service providers, banks or enforcement agencies to verify information given.
• Stay updated on the latest scams and exercise caution when receiving unexpected calls or messages.
• Inform your partner, friends or family members about the potential scam calls you receive.

To report this issue, please get in touch with us.

Rest assured that CelcomDigi is actively taking measures to ensure our customers do not fall prey to such scams.