British Embassy in Malaysia warns against internet scams

[Tomi]

This warning is found in the homepage of British High Commission in Malaysia website. And this warning had saved me from sending more money to my scammer and had led me to anti-scam sites.

http://ukinmalaysia.fco.gov.uk/en/help- ... rnet-scam/

Could this be a scam?



There are a number of scam artists working from bases in Malaysia who are targeting people through internet chat rooms and on-line dating agencies. Once trust has been established, sometimes over a period of months or years, the victim of the scam is informed that their on-line friend, who they believe is British, is in trouble in Malaysia and in immediate need of funds.

The reasons that the scam artists give for needing cash vary, but include being detained at Kuala Lumpur’s International Airport for currency violations, money laundering, being held against their will, being involved in a road accident (frequently in or around the airport), or hospitalisation . They sometimes claim to be travelling with a young child or elderly parent.

Many victims are persuaded to part with large amounts of money before they start to suspect anything. If you are asked to transfer funds to Malaysia to help with a crisis you should ask the caller whether they have reported the incident (by phone or e-mail) to the Consular section of the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

It has also come to our attention that people claiming to be members of the UK Diplomatic Service, the British High Commission (or often incorrectly the British Embassy), or our Honorary Consuls have been targeting individuals in Malaysia, asking for money for various services. These may include offering assistance or services related to visas or passports, handling mail or asking for help for people who are in hospital or having difficulties with immigration or customs. In all cases they seek an advance payment of some form.

Members of Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service and British High Commission employees are not permitted to accept payments from people. Payments for any services are made to our official account at our offices or in the case of visas through our accredited agent VFS; and our fees are on our website. We strongly advise you not to pay any money without both confirming both the identity of anyone claiming to be employed at the British High Commission and the validity of any payment by calling us on 03 2170 2345. If you have any cause for concern or have paid out money, you should contact the local police."

We are also aware of a scam involving a request for payment to release a parcel that has been sent via the diplomatic bag. Please note that the British High Commission NEVER accept parcels for the general public.

Scams come in many forms, and can pose great financial loss to victims. If you or your relatives or friends are asked to transfer money to or in Malaysia you should make absolutely sure that it is not part of a scam and that you have properly checked with the person receiving the money that they are requesting it.