A subset of scams that has been growing rapidly in recent years, taking advantage of the boom of digital payments and e-commerce; this modus operandi is more sophisticated as it tricks victims into downloading applications (or APK files) created for fraudulent purposes.
Some examples of targeted victims are those looking to book domestic cleaners, purchase pet supplies or The installation of these files come with unnecessary permission requests that would allow unauthorized harvesting of victims’ banking credentials.
Victims are to transfer money purportedly for investment with the promise of attractive returns. Upon request for withdrawal of the funds, victims are asked for more money or scammers are not contactable.
Victims receive calls from impersonators of authorities i.e., officers from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), or Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM), or Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia (LHDN); mongering fear to transfer money to resolve cases allegedly involving victims.
Scammers connect with victims using fake dating or social media profiles, pretending to look for romantic relationships. They gain victims' trust over time with the ultimate goal of manipulating targets into sending money to their bank accounts or revealing their credit card information.
Payments for completed simple online tasks are promised though the tasks require victims to use their own funds as capital. Scammers would request for more money to disburse the payments, or cut contact.
Scammers pose as licensed money lenders offer loans with low interest rates. Victims are instructed to pay various fees upfront to improve credit score before loan can be processed. After the money is transferred, the 'money lenders' are not contactable.
Scammers pose as sellers on e-commerce platforms - targeting victims looking to sell goods. After the victim completes the payment, the scammer is not contactable.
Money mules are scammed through lucrative job opportunities, promising fast and easy cash. Victims are paid to open a mule bank account, which hides the criminals’ identities and helps them cover the money trail.
