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4 ways to avoid falling victim to scams

THE risk of falling victim to scams is higher than ever, as scammers continue to adapt and develop newer and advanced schemes. 

Police statistics revealed that there were 12,092 scam cases between January and July just last year, which totaled to a loss of RM414.8 million. In 2021, 20,701 cases were reported with losses amounting to RM511.2 million.

The scam cases included online trading scams, sale scams, business email scams and SMS scams.

Malaysian users must constantly be attentive and practise preventive measures to protect themselves against fraudsters and scammers. 

Here are a few tips, prepared in collaboration with CIMB Bank, on how to avoid falling victim to scams.

1. Be Cautious

Scammers work hard to appear trustworthy to make it difficult for us to differentiate between truths and lies.

Users should always remain wary and be on the lookout for anything suspicious. You are advised to research and do your due diligence to confirm the validity of an opportunity or warning you receive. Whether it is an opportunity that is too good to be true, or a warning that requires immediate action, always be careful and exercise vigilance. 

2. Refuse Demands to Act Immediately

Scammers usually pressure you to act immediately as it is their goal to make you act before you can think. This is mostly common for job scams. If you ever feel pressured, it is advisable to turn down the offer and end the call immediately. Anyone presenting a legitimate opportunity will give you ample time to come to a decision instead of pressuring you to decide on the spot.

3. Look Out for Mistakes in Emails and Messages

Always check the sender's email address. Do not open any attachments or links from unknown sources if you are doubtful of the sender. Make sure to also look out for spelling and grammatical errors.

4. Never Share Your Personal Details

Stop, think and block! Do not panic and give away your personal details. Practise this 3-second rule to identify whether the caller, SMS or email is coming from a legitimate or suspicious source.

Whether it is through a phone call or an email, any authorised organisation and authority will never ask for any of your passwords. Do not give out your personal details, even if they are for verification purposes.

CIMB takes its users' data security seriously, and is committed to ensuring users are well-informed and protected from fraud and scams.

The bank stresses the importance of taking preventive measures, double-checking a website's address and never sharing personal information.

Should a bank scam take place, users are advised to take the following steps:

  • Immediately inform the bank and lodge a police report of the fraudulent charge or transfer.
  • Request the bank to temporarily suspend your account or deactivate your card to avoid potential unknown transactions. 
  • Keep documents and details of the disputed transaction as evidence.
  • Ensure that the authorised mobile device for your banking app is accurate.
  • Change your passwords immediately.

For more tips on staying safe online and avoiding scams, visit CIMB Bank's official website.

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