In a statement, the Association of Banks in Malaysia, Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia, and Association of Development Finance Institutions of Malaysia said the scammers were engaging their victims through email, phone calls, SMS and even social media platforms.

The scammers, they said, would offer to facilitate or secure loan applications for loans under the government’s stimulus package including the Special Relief Facility.

“We would like to state clearly that financial institutions and/or banks do not appoint or engage third parties or agents for the process of securing loans.”

They advised against pursuing loan applications or divulging sensitive and confidential information to anyone claiming to be third party appointees or agents of banks and financial institutions.

“We advise members of the public and businesses seeking financing to get in touch with the banks or financial institutions directly to apply for loans to avoid being deceived by these unscrupulous syndicates.

“Alternatively, SMEs can 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 associations also advised the public to be wary of messages purportedly from banks, the police, the Inland Revenue Board, courts or other government agencies demanding personal banking information.

“Banks and/or financial institutions will never ask you for your personal banking information such as transaction authorisation code or personal identification number or your online login username and password.”

Members of the public and businesses, they said, should refer directly to the banks for information, verification and clarification. Alternatively, they can contact BNMTELELINK at 1-300-5465 for further information.

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