Over RM5.2 billion was lost to scams within the last two years as scammers took advantage of the public’s heightened sense of vulnerability and uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Royal Malaysian Police’s (PDRM) Commercial Crimes Investigation Department (CCID) reports that job scams were the most common ruse reported between 2020 and May 2022, with 71,833 cases. These scams entice their victims to give up their sensitive information such as their banking or credit card details.
How do you know if you could potentially fall prey to these scams?
Consider these questions: Do you suspect that your bank account or credit card details have been compromised? Have you transferred money to an organization that promises you a job in return, or to someone you met online who claims to be in urgent need of money (The Tinder Swindler, anyone)?
Today, scams appear in various forms as these bad actors from all over the world grow more sophisticated, act in a syndicate, and prey on victims easily from behind a screen.
In the second part of our Cybersecurity Awareness anti-scam series, we look at 5 simple yet important steps to take when you fall victim to a scam so as to minimize further damage.
- When you are contacted by a scammer
If the scammer calls you or sends you a message, ignore these scam calls and block the number, but keep a record of what has happened so that you can report it. If the message contains a suspicious link, DO NOT click on it. - When you transferred money to the scammer within the last 24 hours
If the scammer asked you for money and you have mistakenly transferred the money to them, contact your bank about the transaction. Then, send a complaint to the respective organization that the scammer impersonates. - When you suspect that your bank account or credit card details have been stolen or compromised
Contact your bank and card issuing company to block the affected account or credit card. - When you suspect that your password has been stolen or your account has been hacked
Change the password and lock your account immediately. - When you know how the scammer contacts you and other victims
Leave the social media group (like WhatsApp, Telegram or Facebook groups, or Instagram chats) immediately. Report or file complaints against these scam groups immediately to the organization in question.
Last week we shared in detail about the various types and signs of scams going around. If you haven’t read it, head over to find out how to identify scams and prevent yourself from falling victim to one.
Read more on our website here to find out how to secure your Funding Societies account and make sure you’re not being scammed.