In recent years, we kept hearing about Macau Scam. We just brush it off and thinking, well, it's "just-another-scam", thinking to ourself, well, I'm not the type of person to fall into that trap. 

Consider this first. A Malaysian bank agency manager lost RM1.97 million, and one doctor lost RM20,000.

So, this is not your typical scam. 

So What Is This Macau Scam?

It is not clear why is it called Macau scam, but it was said the first scam was discovered there.

In Malaysia, it all started with someone calling you claiming to be from the Malaysian court or Police (Polis Diraja Malaysia) saying that you are in some legal problem. 

In some cases, they may disguise themselves as bank official calling to inform you that you have been linked with credit card problems. 

In some cases, the victim will be directed to contact an "official" allegedly from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and will ask to transfer their money to avoid being blacklisted or having their bank account frozen. 

These calls came from some local numbers using Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), some even generate the number to have the exact number as your bank hotline or the authorities. Hence, it is "easier" to convince the victim of the situation. 

Twenty-eight luxury cars which include brands such as Bentley, Ferrari, Rolls Royce and Lamborghini were seized with the Macau Scam. Image source via Astro AWANI

So How Big Is This Macau Scam? 

According to an Astro Awani, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) seized 730 bank accounts that are believed to be linked to the Macau Scam syndicate. All these accounts were amounting to RM80 million, RM5 million in cash and 28 luxury cars! 

Who Is Targeted In This Macau Scam?

It seems that there are no specific group of people the Macau Scammers target. From our research, teachers, doctors, bank managers and even housewives and there are no sign of stopping them. 

So, How To Deal With A Macau Scam?

Remember, authorities will call NOT come after you through a simple phone call. 

• Do not disclose any of your personal information over the phone. When in doubt, call back the "correct" number on your credit card or call your local police station to check.
• Do not call back the number or call the number provided.
• Ask, ask and ask. If they are from the actual authorities, they will have no problem answering your questions. Ask for their name, positions and addresses.
• If you genuinely believe that is a scammer, accuse them back. The syndicate may avoid calling you back in future. 

Remember, last year alone, there are reported of 4,865 cases on this Macau Scam syndicate. Stay safe. Stay informed. 

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