The "Macau Scam": Fake Police and Officials Demanding Money

In a "Macau scam", criminals phone you pretending to be from a courier company, a bank, Bank Negara, LHDN, the police or the courts. They claim you are linked to money laundering, an unpaid summons or a parcel of illegal goods, then pressure you to "clear your name" by transferring money to a "safe account" for investigation.

How the scam works

The call often starts as an automated message, then transfers you to a fake "officer". They sound official, may quote your IC number, and create fear and urgency. Victims are told to stay on the line, keep it secret from family, and move savings to an account controlled by the syndicate "temporarily" — the money is gone instantly.

Warning signs

• An unexpected call accusing you of a crime or an unpaid fine.
• Instructions to keep the call secret and not tell anyone.
• A demand to transfer money to a "safe" or "verification" account.
• Threats of arrest unless you act immediately.
• Callers asking for banking details, OTP/TAC or remote access to your phone.

How to protect yourself

• Hang up. Real agencies never ask you to move money to a "safe account" over the phone.
• Call the agency back yourself using its official published number — never the number the caller gives you.
• Never share OTP/TAC codes or install apps a caller tells you to.
• Talk to a family member before doing anything — secrecy is the scammer's weapon.

If you have already paid

Call 997 immediately and tell your bank to attempt a recall. Keep the phone numbers, account numbers and any recordings. The faster you report, the better the chance of stopping the transfer.