Staying Safe in Sarawak: Sarawak Scam Prevention

Scams in Sarawak is a growing epidemic. Every week, someone loses their hard-earned savings to a scheme designed to look completely legitimate — a text from "the bank," a call from "the authorities," a WhatsApp group promising guaranteed profits. If it can happen to a careful, educated person, it can happen to anyone.

Starting a new chapter in Sarawak through the S-MM2H programme should be an exciting experience. To enjoy your new life with confidence, it is essential to stay informed about the tactics fraudsters use and how to protect your hard-earned savings.

The Reality of Scams in Sarawak

In the first three months of this year alone, commercial crime losses in Sarawak hit RM42.6 million, a staggering 53.59% jump compared to the same period last year. Online scams remained the main contributor, including e-commerce fraud, non-existent investment and loan schemes, fake job offers and phone scams.

These schemes do not just target the "careless"—professionals, managers, and retirees have all fallen victim because scammers are now more emotionally manipulative and technologically advanced.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

The most prevalent threats currently circulating in the state include:

• Investment Scams: These remain the costliest, accounting for RM25 million in losses recently. Victims are often lured into WhatsApp or Telegram groups promising guaranteed high returns with little risk, often tied to cryptocurrency, AI trading, or forex. A typical red flag is a promise of impossible growth, such as turning $1,000 into $26,800 in five years.

• Impersonation (Macau Scams): Scammers pretend to be bank staff, police officers, or government officials from agencies like the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN). They claim there is an urgent problem with your taxes, a bank account, or an illegal parcel to pressure you into transferring money immediately.

• Rental and Construction Fraud: Fraudsters may advertise attractive, suspiciously cheap properties and demand deposits before a viewing. In some cases, ordinary Sarawakians have lost millions to fake house-building schemes.

• Malicious APK Links: Be wary of downloading applications via WhatsApp links or unofficial websites, as these are often malware designed to steal your banking credentials.

When you receive a suspicious message, verify it through official websites, official customer service, or trusted sources before taking any action. Verify first, then act.

Sarawak Scam Prevention

Protecting yourself does not require expert knowledge—just a few simple habits:

1. Verify via Official Channels: If you receive an unexpected call from a "bank" or "authority," hang up and call the real official hotline listed on their website or your bank card. Official agencies will never settle legal or tax matters over a phone call.

2. Use the "Semak Mule" Portal: Before making an online transaction to an unknown person, check their bank account or phone number on the Royal Malaysia Police’s official Semak Mule platform. https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/

3. Protect Your Data: Never share your banking passwords, one-time passwords (OTP), or login details with anyone.

4. Securities Commission Malaysia (SC)：Use the SC Investment Checker to confirm whether the company or individual is licensed, and check the SC Investor Alert List for any unauthorised or suspicious entities. Be aware that scammers may impersonate legitimate companies by copying their names, logos, or registration details, so always verify through official channels before investing. https://www.sc.com.my/investment-checker

5. Pause and Think: Scammers rely on urgency and emotion. If someone pressures you to act "today only" or keep a transaction secret from your family, treat it as a major warning sign.

What if you already transferred the money？

If you realize you have accidentally transferred money to a scammer, call 997 immediately. This connects you to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC). Reporting the fraud within the first 24 hours is critical to maximize the chances of banks freezing the funds before they are gone.

Watch out of Recovery Scams

If you have unfortunately fallen victim to a scam, the urge to look online for ways to retrieve your money is entirely natural. However, please exercise extreme caution: scammers often target victims a second time. They will masquerade as tech experts or legal specialists, promising to get your money back in exchange for an upfront fee.

Stay Safe, Stay Informed

No one is unscammable, scammers only need the right script for the right person. at the right time.

Scam tactics are constantly evolving. What works today may be replaced by a new scheme tomorrow. Stay informed, keep up with the latest Sarawak scam trends and scam prevention, never hesitate to ask questions or verify information before making a decision.