The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) has reminded Malaysians not to be fooled by scammers sending text messages claiming they have qualified for Bantuan Prihatin Nasional (BPN).
The fake text messages sent from personal phone numbers required recipients to reply with their banking details, and also stated that recipients would receive their payment within 24 hours.
LHDN in a Facebook post on April 3 stated that it will only send text messages from the numbers 62000 or 63833, adding that it would never ask for personal details such as full names and banking information through text messages.
The government agency also posted an example of a genuine text message where recipients will be notified if they qualify for BPN. The text message indicates that payment will be made in April and May and no further action is required from the recipient.
Those eligible for BPN will receive the genuine text message in stages from April 1 onwards.
LHDN in another posting stated that it will also notify BPN recipients through emails from the address "no_reply@hasil.gov.my" and no further action is required from users who have received the email.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has also posted a fake news alert on the text message scam targeting BPN recipients. It said that LDHN has denied asking for personal details and banking information through text message on matters related to BPN.
According to a BPN FAQ, Malaysians can also check if they qualify for payment through the LHDN website, Bantuan Sara Hidup portal or Semak Prihatin on the Finance Ministry website.
BPN is a government aid given to the B40 and M40 community. Malaysians who qualify will receive between RM500 to RM1,600 depending on their household income and marital status.
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