LETTER | Beware of scams

LETTER | Based on news reports on online scams and cheating, the occurrence is getting rampant. Many Malaysians, especially the elderly and pensioners have fallen victim to this scourge.

I don’t know for sure how hard the authorities and banks are trying to overcome this, but one thing is quite certain - all must try to do more. 

It is disturbing to see so many losing their life savings out of greed, ignorance and fear.

I think we have to do many things more - education, surveillance, enforcement and vigilance - to contain this scourge.

First, there is no such thing as a high return without risk. When interest rate is not even two percent per annum or when investment in bona fide stock exchange can’t even yield five percent, please don’t believe those who promised you 10 percent return per month. Even 10 percent a year is unrealistic. 

My suggestion is we don’t even listen or entertain them.

Second, don’t ever believe there is a bundle of free money or free gift waiting for you to collect that somehow you are not aware of. In the real world, expecting that others would share information on how they get “free” money and free gift from certain sources is a fantasy. 

There is no such thing. Even if there is, others will not tell you. So get real, don’t entertain them.

Third, don’t be afraid of the police, Inland Revenue Department, Bank Negara or MACC freezing your bank accounts or coming to arrest you if you have done nothing wrong. 

So please ignore the bogus threats issued by bogus sergeants or inspectors. Even if we have done something wrong, there is nothing much you can do by transferring your money to other bank accounts to avoid detection. 

Just wait for the due process rather than following bogus instructions to hide your money. Seriously if the authorities are investigating you, why would they want to help you to hide your money?

Fourth, I think the banks must do more to protect their customers, especially the elderly and those who are not IT savvy. 

When banks see unusual requests for transfer of fund out of customers’ account into accounts that are highly suspicious, they must at least exercise caution. Why can’t they call up the customers and find out a little more? 

This may cause inconvenience or infringe privacy, but I think it is worth the effort for the benefit of everyone.

Fifth, I think it is about time for the police to apply more resources to handle online scamming. It is getting so rampant now. 

Just ask around you, almost everyone at some point would receive calls from scammers threatening, enticing or telling us of something.

Sixth, when you are already senior citizens, just learn to be realistic and accept reality. When you suddenly receive pictures of sexy young female asking to be your friend, please just look at the picture and ignore.

I don’t know, some of the things are so rudimentary and common sense and yet many have fallen prey to them. 

For senior citizens and pensioners, please don’t just look at your Facebook or WhatsApp every day. Read credible news portals and some books. At least they will keep you abreast of things going around you. 

Happy holiday and happy new year! 

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.