KUALA LUMPUR: The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) and the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) have warned the public regarding scams involving individuals impersonating officers from the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC).
They highlight a rising trend of such scams targeting bank customers.
The ABM also advises the public to be cautious of fraudsters impersonating officials from agencies and regulatory bodies like Bank Negara Malaysia and police.
According to the associations, the fraudsters employ threatening methods via phone calls to compel victims into transferring money from their bank accounts and revealing their online banking information.
"In such scenarios, the fraudster would pose as an NSRC officer and attempt to scare unsuspecting victims by alleging that their personal information, such as National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) number or mobile number, is linked to illegal or fraudulent activities," it said in a statement today.
ABM said the NSRC officer impersonation scam typically starts with victims receiving calls from unfamiliar mobile numbers purportedly from an NSRC officer.
The caller will falsely assert that the victim's identity or personal information has been involved in criminal activities, such as money laundering and mule account transactions.
The fraudster then uses extended "interrogation" techniques resembling a genuine investigation to create a sense of authenticity, which includes making multiple calls over an extended duration.
"Finally, after gaining the victim's trust, the fraudster will ask the victim to leave their debit/ automated teller machine (ATM) card at a designated location.
"This allows the fraudster to fraudulently access the victim's online banking account to make unauthorised transfers and bill payments.
"If the victim does not have an existing online banking facility, the fraudster could even register for one and make unauthorised cash withdrawals at the ATM using the victim's bank card," it said.
ABM advises to practice basic cyber hygiene practices to protect themselves against different kinds of scams.
"Customers who have fallen victim to scams should immediately call the National Scam Response Centre at 997 or banks' 24/7 customer service hotlines for assistance," it added.