PETALING JAYA: Scammers will normally target older victims with big savings and find ways to get them to transfer money to a fake account or reveal sensitive and private information about themselves, reveals Datuk Seri Michael Chong.

       The MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head said he had received many complaints involving Macau scam cases over the years and has been highlighting them to help the victims.

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       “There have been some cases where they ask the victims to go to the bank to withdraw a huge sum or transfer money.

       “I have already given my advice to bank associations to be aware when individuals suddenly want to withdraw huge amounts, and to verify either with their family members or relatives,” Chong said.

       He said the common modus operandi of these types of scams were to use fear tactics and threats against the victims.

       “Sometimes they will scare by warning that savings or money might be at risk.

       “They will use fake identities to dupe victims such as claiming to be from the relevant authorities or banks,” he said.

       In such cases, Chong warned the public to be careful when contacted by unknown numbers or private lines.

       “You have to be careful when an unknown caller asks for private information.

       “The easiest way is for you to tell them that you prefer to handle such matters officially by way of letter,” he said.

       Chong said the Macau scam also involved the use of automated calls or messages to inform a person that he has outstanding fines or unpaid taxes.

       Chong explained that the caller would claim that the name, Mykad and bank accounts of the victim are connected to drug related crimes and money laundering activities.