At Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), your online safety is our top priority. While we continuously enhance our security measures, your vigilance plays an equally important role. By staying informed and taking simple precautions, you can help protect yourself during every online banking transaction.
Learn how to identify fraud and scams as well as discover essential tips to keep your online banking experience safe and secure.
Watch Scam Awareness Video Here
Awareness videos on the importance of keeping you and your loved ones safe from becoming scam victims.
Type of Fraud & Scam
Investment Scam
Scammers offer fake investment opportunities with “guaranteed” high returns with no risk. Victims are tricked into transferring money, often through social media or fake platforms.
E-Commerce Scam
Fake sellers advertise cheap products online, usually on social media. After payment is made, the item never arrives and the seller disappears.
Loan Scam
Scammers pretend to be loan providers, offering fast approvals with low interest. Victims are asked to pay upfront “processing fees”, but no loan is ever disbursed.
Job Scam
Victims are offered fake jobs with an attractive salary. Scammers may ask for upfront payments for “training,” “uniforms,” or “work permits” and disappear after receiving the money.
Cash Reward Scam
You receive a message saying you’ve won a prize or cashback, but to claim it, you are required to click a link or provide personal information. The reward offered is fake, as the goal is to steal your data or money.
Malware
Victims are tricked into downloading fake applications or files that secretly steal banking details or provide scammers access to the victim's devices.
Phishing
Fake emails, SMS, or websites are used to trick victims into entering login details, IC numbers, or OTP. The stolen information is used to access the victim's bank accounts or commit identity theft.
Mule Account
Victims are lured (often with job offers) into allowing their bank accounts to be used to receive or move stolen money. This is a crime and can lead to legal consequences.
Macau Scam
Scammers impersonate authorities like the police, court, Inland Revenue Board or Bank Negara Malaysia. Victims are told that they’re under investigation and are required to transfer money to “safe accounts” which are controlled by the scammer.
Love Scam
Scammers create fake online relationships to gain the victim’s trust, then ask for money under false pretenses (e.g. medical emergencies, travel, or gifts).
Safety Tips
At BSN, we are committed to your online peace of mind. However, you also play an important role in safeguarding your devices and online information. Here are some good practices that you should take into consideration when you are banking online.
Clear Cache Files
Practice this so that your information will not be stored in the system.
Common targets
Who scammers usually target and what scams are common for each group:
Victim age group insights are inferred from local news coverage and survey findings.
Working Adults (Ages 25-50)
Why targeted: Active online, financially independent
Common scams:
- Job scam: Fake offers with upfront fees for training or permit.
- Online shopping scam: Fake sellers on social media.
- Investment scam: Quick profit promises, often via crypto or property.
- Phishing scam: Fake emails/SMS from “banks” or delivery companies.
Elderly (Senior Citizens)
Why targeted: Less tech-savvy, may be trusting, often home during the day
Common scams:
- Phone scams/ Macau Scam: Scammers impersonate police, Inland Revenue Board, Bank Negara Malaysia, etc.
- Love scam: Lonely elderly individuals tricked into fake relationships.
- Prize or Cash Reward scam: “You’ve won” messages asking for “fees” to claim.
- Fake investment schemes: Promising safe and high returns.
Students / Young Adults
Why targeted: New to banking, eager for jobs or easy money
Common scams:
- Mule account scam: Asked to open or lend bank account for money.
- Love scam: Manipulated into sending money to online “partners.”
- Part-time job scam: Paid to “like, share, or process payments.”
- Gaming/online voucher scam: Fake promotions or “top-up” offers.
Disclaimer: This is not an exhaustive list; always stay cautious of other potential scam types that may be common within each group.
Preventive Measures
How can you protect yourself from scams and fraud?
Protect your Personal Information
Never share your bank account details, personal identification, or other sensitive information with unknown parties or online platforms.
Monitor Your Account Activities
Regularly review your transactions alert and bank account statements periodically to detect any unusual activity. Report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.
Increase Fraud Awareness
Stay informed about the latest scams or trends and educate friends and family members to help protect them from becoming victims.
Be Cautious with Job Offers, Loan Application and Investment Offers
Be wary of job offers, loan application or investment that seem too good to be true.
Use 'SemakMule' Website to Identify Accounts Used by Scammers
Always verify the unknown 3rd party through SEMAKMULE website.
Be Wary of Pressure and Urgency
Take your time and verify information before proceeding with any financial or personal transactions.
How to Report?
I have been scammed! What should I do?
Act fast if you think you have been scammed or spot any suspicious activity in your bank account, follow these steps immediately:
Step 1:
Activate Safe Switch
(Kill Switch)
Activate the Safe Switch immediately to disable your myBSN Internet Banking in case of suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Log in to www.myBSN.com.my > Safe Switch > Deactivate > Confirm; or
Log in to myBSN Mobile App > Manage Security Settings > Safe Switch > Deactivate Now
Step 2:
Contact Us or National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) immediately
Call BSN Customer Service at 1300 88 1900 (within Malaysia) or +603 2613 1900 (from Overseas), or email us at customercare@bsn.com.my. Alternatively, you may contact the NSRC hotline at 997 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm daily, including public holidays).
Step 3:
Lodge a Police Report and provide a copy of the Police Report to us
Lodge a police report at the nearest police station as soon as possible to allow authorities to launch a formal investigation.
Emerging Fraud Threats in Malaysia
AI-Driven Scams and Deepfake Impersonations
Scammers are leveraging AI to create deepfake videos and audio clips, impersonating celebrities, politicians, or even law enforcement officials. These convincing scams and impersonations are used to deceive victims into fraudulent investments or to extract sensitive information. The elderly are particularly targeted due to their financial savings and potential unfamiliarity with such technologies.
Digital Arrest Scams
Scammers impersonate law enforcement officials via video calls, accusing victims of crimes like money laundering. They then coerce victims into transferring money to avoid arrest. This tactic has been increasingly reported in Malaysia and neighboring countries.
Smishing Attacks
SMS-based phishing ("smishing") remains prevalent, with messages impersonating banks, e-wallet providers, and delivery services to steal personal data.
QRishing (QR Code Phishing)
Scammers stick fake QR codes in public places or send them through messages pretending to be from banks, delivery companies, or government bodies. When the victims scan the code, they might be taken to a fake website or unknowingly give away their personal or banking information. So, be careful and avoid scanning any random QR code. Always double-check the source and make sure it’s legitimate and reliable before taking any action.
Important Alert:
We wish to remind all customers that BSN has NOT appointed any third-party agents or external representatives for any of the following services:
- Loan or financing applications
- Handling of banking transactions on your behalf
- Prize or cash reward transfers into your BSN account
What About BSN’s Ejen Bank (EB)?
Yes, BSN has authorised Ejen Bank (EB), which are BSN's community-based banking partners officially appointed and verified by BSN to provide basic financial services, especially in rural or underserved areas.
Authorized BSN Ejen Bank (EB) services include:
- Cash deposits & withdrawals
- Bill payments
- BSN SSP (Sijil Simpanan Premium) transactions
- Account openings (GIRO / GIRO-i)
- Cashless payment services
- Prepaid top-ups
You can verify any EB location or representative through our official channels here.
Stay Alert. Stay Protected
If someone claims to be an "agent of BSN" and offers you services such as fast loan approval, account assistance, or reward money, it's a red flag.
- Do not share your banking information.
- Do not transfer money.
Verify or Report Suspicious Claims
Unsure if someone is a legitimate BSN Ejen Bank (EB)? Contact us directly at 1300-88-1900 or
customercare@bsn.com.my to verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Report an Unauthorised Transactions - What to do if you've been scammed?
Immediately lodge an official report to the following channels:
- Call our Customer Contact Centre at 1300 88 1900 or +603-2613 1900 (Overseas) or;
- Call National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 from 8am to 8pm daily or;
- Go to the nearest branch to lodge an official report.
Once you have lodged an official report, please visit the nearest police station to file a police report as soon as possible and submit to us through email customercare@bsn.com.my or visit our nearest BSN branches.
Yes, you should still report the scam incident even if it happened more than 24 hours as your action may help reduce potential losses and protect others from being targeted.
By lodging the report, you are aiding the authorities in taking action against the scammers and minimizing further damage.
When reporting a scam incident to your bank, the National Scam Response Center (NSRC), or Royal Malaysian Police (RMP), you should have the following information ready:
- Brief description of scam/ fraud incident:
- Chronology of events including date and time
- Financial Losses (RM)
- Your Personal Details:
- Full Name;
- Identity Card Number;
- Bank Account Number;
- Contact Number and Alternative Contact Number;
- E-mail address (if any).
- Suspect (Scammer) details:
- Name and Phone Number;
- Transaction Details (the bank accounts number and the bank's name involved, the amount and the time of the transaction was made).
- Transactions Receipt;
- Website Address (URL) shared by criminals;
- Communication with criminals (eg call logs, emails, conversations via SMS / WhatsApp / Telegram / WeChat / e-commerce / other platforms).
Once the complaint is lodged:
- Your complaint will be acknowledged within 24 hours;
- If we require any additional information to assist with the investigation, we will reach out to you within three (3) working days.
- We will thoroughly investigate the matter and coordinate with the relevant parties to ensure a resolution. Our aim is to resolve your complaint within 14 days from the date of receipt;
- If a complaint requires further investigation, we will keep you informed and notify you of any necessary extension of time.
Customer may contact our Customer Contact Centre to follow up the case.
If your bank account has been blocked, please contact our Customer Contact Centre or visit the nearest branch.
If your BSN accounts have been compromised, promptly contact your other banks to protect and secure your accounts. Actions such as changing passwords, freezing bank cards, or temporarily blocking the accounts may be necessary.
National Scam Respons Centre (NSRC)
NSRC is an emergency response center for online financial scam and fraud. It is an integrated operation involving the collaboration between the National Anti-Financial Crime Center (NFCC), Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) as well as financial institutions and the telecommunications industry. The NSRC brings together resources and expertise from all these parties to combat financial fraud more quickly and effectively.
NSRC operating hours is 8am - 8pm (including weekends and public holidays).
If you unable to reach the NSRC hotline, you can get in touch directly with our Customer Contact Centre at 1300 88 1900 or +603-2613 1900 (Overseas).
Yes. In addition to alerting our Customer Contact Centre or the NSRC about your situation, you must also make a police report within 24 hours. This is important to allow authorities to launch a formal investigation.
Security Tips
If you need to be contacted, the NSRC, the police or bank will not ask for your personal banking information, such as your username, password, PIN, TAC or OTP.
If you receive such request, please hang up and contact our Customer Contact Centre immediately.
- Regularly check transaction alerts, account balances, and statements. Report any unauthorized transactions, errors, or discrepancies to the bank immediately.
- Verify the authenticity of messages from the bank and take appropriate action if you detect any fraudulent messages.
- Read security tips or warnings on our website before providing confidential information to the bank or third parties.
- Comply with the following obligations:
- Do not disclose banking credentials (Username and Password) to third parties,
- Keep your device secure
- Report any security breaches or loss of devices to the bank as soon as you become aware of them.
Always verify the unknown third party through SEMAKMULE website at https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my/
Semak Mule is a portal and mobile application developed by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) through the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID). It allows users to check if a bank account or phone number has been involved in any criminal activities, particularly scams.
By using Semak Mule, you can verify the legitimacy of bank accounts and phone numbers before proceeding with transactions, helping to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud. The app is available for download on Google Play Store and can also be accessed through the CCID portal.
Before responding to any SMS claiming to be from your bank, always verify their authenticity by checking the sender’s details, such as phone numbers and cross referencing it with official bank communication channel. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious SMS.
If you suspect that a SMS is fraudulent, take the following steps:
- Do not respond or engage;
- Contact your bank directly by using the official Customer Contact Centre number;
- Report the fraudulent SMS and follow the bank reporting procedure;
- Delete the SMS;
- Monitor your accounts for any unauthorized transactions and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Before responding to any SMS claiming to be from your bank, always verify their authenticity by checking the sender’s details, such as phone numbers and cross referencing it with official bank communication channel. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious SMS.
If you suspect that a SMS is fraudulent, take the following steps:
- Do not respond or engage;
- Contact your bank directly by using the official Customer Contact Centre number;
- Report the fraudulent SMS and follow the bank reporting procedure;
- Delete the SMS;
- Monitor your accounts for any unauthorized transactions and report any suspicious activity immediately.