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CRITICAL THREAT

Macau Scam — Police & Authority Impersonation

Police & Authority Impersonation·28,698 cases (2025) cases·RM 715 million losses·Updated 6 May 2026

The Macau Scam is Malaysia's highest-volume scam type, with 28,698 reported cases and RM 715 million in losses in 2025. Despite widespread awareness campaigns, it continues to claim new victims every day — often educated professionals and elderly Malaysians who have never encountered this type of fraud before.

How it works

  1. The call — You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer (PDRM), a Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) official, a customs officer, a court officer, or even a representative from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM). The caller ID may show a spoofed official number.
  2. The accusation — The caller tells you that your identity has been linked to money laundering, drug trafficking, an outstanding court warrant, or unpaid taxes. They sound professional and authoritative. They may read out your IC number or home address to appear legitimate.
  3. The escalation — You are "transferred" to a senior officer or magistrate who confirms the charges are serious. They may send you a fake arrest warrant, court order, or official letter via WhatsApp — complete with PDRM or BNM logos.
  4. The demand — To "resolve" the matter and avoid arrest, you must immediately transfer all your savings to a "safe account" controlled by the authorities for "investigation purposes." They insist you tell no one — claiming it is part of a confidential operation.
  5. The loss — Once you transfer, the money is immediately moved through multiple mule accounts and is virtually unrecoverable.

These scams are run from professional call centres in Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and other countries. In recent enforcement actions, Malaysia deported 16 suspected scammers to China, and over 2,200 individuals have been detained across the region. A South Korean fugitive was arrested in Malaysia for running a call-centre scam operation. Yet the syndicates continue, often trafficking their own workers into these centres.

⚠ Red Flags

  • !Unsolicited call from "authorities" — Police, BNM, courts, and customs do NOT call you to demand money. Ever.
  • !Threats of immediate arrest — Real legal proceedings involve written notices delivered physically, not phone calls demanding instant payment.
  • !Request to transfer to a "safe account" — There is no such thing. No government agency holds funds in personal bank accounts for "safekeeping."
  • !Caller insists on secrecy — "Do not tell your family or bank" is always a sign of a scam. Legitimate authorities do not operate this way.
  • !Spoofed caller ID — The number looks official but the call behaviour is not. Scammers can display any number on your screen.
  • !Fake documents via WhatsApp — Real arrest warrants and court orders are served in person, not sent through messaging apps.
  • !Pressure to act immediately — "You must transfer within 2 hours or we will arrest you at your workplace."

🛡 How to Protect Yourself

  1. 1Hang up immediately — If someone calls claiming to be police or BNM and demands money, end the call. No explanation needed.
  2. 2Call back on the official number — If you are concerned, call PDRM directly at the official number (not the number that called you). Ask if there is a real case against you.
  3. 3No government agency asks for money over the phone — This is an absolute rule. BNM, PDRM, customs, courts — none of them request bank transfers by phone.
  4. 4Tell someone — Scammers rely on secrecy. Talk to a family member, friend, or your bank immediately.
  5. 5Verify documents independently — If you receive a "warrant" or "court order," bring it to a police station or lawyer for verification.
  6. 6Register with the Do Not Call Registry (DNCR) — While not foolproof, it reduces unwanted calls.

📞 How to Report

  1. 1National Scam Response Centre (NSRC): Call 997 (24/7 hotline) — call immediately if you have transferred money
  2. 2PDRM Commercial Crime Division: Lodge a police report at your nearest station
  3. 3Bank Negara Malaysia: 1-300-88-5465
  4. 4CCID Check Scam portal: ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule
  5. 5Your bank's fraud hotline — Call immediately to freeze your account if money was transferred

Want to learn more?

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