The fake apps claimed to be able to provide guidance and ways for users to check the status of their i-Sinar application. — ART CHEN/The Star
The Employee Provident Fund (EPF) has reminded members of the public to be aware of fake i-Sinar mobile applications.
EPF said the applications have been developed by unidentified third parties targeting EPF members who needed more information about the i-Sinar programme.
In its official statement on Nov 25, the government body reminded the public that applications for i-Sinar withdrawals can only be done through a microsite. It also asked that people register for and download the official EPF i-Akaun app to perform other transactions.
The fake apps, which were available on the Google Play Store before they were removed, claimed to be able to provide guidance and ways for users to check the status of their i-Sinar application. To do that, users were required to fill in their personal details on the apps.
Based on screenshots by tech site Lowyat.net, one of the apps appears to have racked up about 1,000 downloads.
In a statement on Nov 16, EPF said eligible members can start applying for i-Sinar – which allows them to withdraw up to RM9,000 from Account 1, or up to 10% of their Account 1 savings if they have more than RM90,000 – from mid-December onwards. The amount will only be credited into members’ bank accounts starting January 2021.
The i-Sinar programme will benefit two million eligible members with an estimated RM14bil to be made available.
Scammers are on the rise during the Covid-19 pandemic. Previously, the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) warned Bantuan Sara Hidup recipients to be aware of scammers asking for their personal information such as bank account numbers through fake text messages.
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