Protect yourself from love scams

Trust but verify. Always do a background check. Photo: Freepik

Here's some advice on how to protect yourself from love scams:

 

1. Take it slow

 

Scammers move fast. They profess love or deep feelings within days or weeks. Real relationships take time.

 

2. Be sceptical of “too perfect” profiles

 

Check for inconsistencies or overly glamorous photos. Do a reverse image search using Google Images.

 

3. Verify identities

 

Insist on video call or in-person meeting. If they refuse, it’s a red flag.

 

4. Don’t send money

 

No matter how convincing the story – sick relatives, business trouble, travel emergencies – never transfer money to someone you haven’t met.

 

5. Do a background check

 

Check the Royal Malaysia Police’s (PDRM) Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID)’s online portal https://semakmule.rmp.gov.my for bank accounts, phone numbers or company names linked to fraudulent activities before making any financial transactions.

 

6. Talk to someone you trust

 

Run the situation by a friend or family member. They can often spot red flags you might overlook.

 

7. Protect your information

 

Never share personal details, photos or bank information with strangers online.

 

8. Report suspicious profiles

 

Help others stay safe by reporting fake accounts to dating apps or social media platforms.

 

Talk to a trusted family member or friend. Emotional recovery is as important as financial recovery. Photo: Freepik

 

If you've been love scammed, here's what to do:

 

1. Contact your bank immediately

 

Call your bank’s 24-hour fraud hotline (the number is at the back of your bank card) to freeze your accounts and block further transactions.

 

2. Call the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC)

 

The NSRC hotline at 997 is available 24 hours a day. NSRC works with banks and law enforcement to trace and freeze funds quickly.

 

3. Lodge a police report

 

Visit your nearest police station as soon as possible – ideally within 24 hours – and provide all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction slips).

 

4. Stop all communication with the scammer

 

Block the scammer on all platforms. Do not engage further.

 

5. Gather evidence

 

Save all messages, receipts and bank details as proof for investigation.

 

6 Report to the platform

 

If the scam occurred on a dating app or social media, report the user’s profile.

 

7. Seek emotional support

 

Contact a counsellor, support group or helpline. Talk to a trusted family member or friend. Emotional recovery is as important as financial recovery.

 

Additional contacts:

 

> Securities Commission Malaysia (for investment-related scams): [e-mail]

> Bank Negara Malaysia consumer hotline: BNMTELELINK (1-300-88-5465)

>Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID). As part of PDRM, they investigate cyber and commercial crimes and handle crimes such as fraud, scams and online theft.

 

Source: Bank Negara Malaysia, BSN and Amaran Scam