The financial industry has urged the public and small and medium enterprises (SME) to be aware of scam syndicates deploying tactics to deceive unsuspecting victims.

The scam may result in monetary losses and risk compromising victims’ sensitive banking details and confidential information, said the financial sector in a joint statement today.

The industry comprises the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM), the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) and the Association of Development Finance Institutions of Malaysia (ADFIM).

They said the syndicates’ latest modus operandi includes impersonating bank officers and/or bank representatives who engage with unsuspecting victims via email, phone call, short message service (SMS) and/or social messaging platforms such as WhatsApp or other online messenger services.

“The scammers used the pretext of facilitating financial aid and/or assisting in loan application preparation and securing financing involving the stimulus package and special relief measures such as the Special Relief Facility as announced by Bank Negara Malaysia and the financial institutions,” it said.

The associations said financial institutions and/or banks did not appoint nor engage third parties or agents for the process of securing loans.

“Hence, individuals and businesses are strongly advised not to pursue loan applications and/or divulge sensitive and confidential information to individuals or companies claiming to be third party appointees or agents from the financial industry,” it added.

The public and businesses seeking financing are advised to get in touch with the banks or financial institutions directly to apply for loans to avoid being deceived by the unscrupulous syndicates.

“Alternatively, SMEs can also seek legitimate financing options via the imSME.com.my online platform, whereby, the platform will match your financing needs with the financial institution best suited to your requirements.”

The public is also advised to be wary of calls or messages purportedly from bank officials, the police, income tax department, the courts or other government agencies demanding your personal banking information.

“Banks and/or financial institutions will never ask you for your personal banking information such as Transaction Authorisation Code (TAC) or Personal Identification Number (PIN) or your online login username and password,” the financial industry collectively said.

They said businesses and members of the public are reminded to refer to the financial institutions and/or banks’ official websites or contact their customer service directly for information, verification and clarification.