We've all heard about Macau scams, right? Yet this year, the number of cases has reached 1,258 between Jan 1 and April 19, involving RM65.4 million in losses. Last year, 1,585 cases were reported nationwide, resulting in RM560.8 million in losses.
Why do we keep falling for these scammers despite the media reporting every other day on such cases and the police repeatedly warning us of them? Perhaps because they are very effective and scammers count on people reacting in panic.
Think before acting on a phone call. A Macau scam often starts with a phone call from someone pretending to be an officer from a bank or government or law enforcement agency or debt collector. The person will then claim that the victim owes money, has an unpaid fine or has even been implicated in a crime.
The victim will then be given a choice to settle the matter by transferring funds to an account designated by the "officer" or face "dire consequences" - and usually, victims will panic and scramble to follow instructions.
Don't assume you will never fall for these tricks as history has shown that the victim could be anyone.
Beware of scammers! As the police have repeatedly reminded us, do not divulge banking details or sensitive information to a third party. If you get an alarming phone call, take a breath and think before you say or do anything.
Read further on The Star's article attached.
